Spain: the right to flexible working hours for family reasons is only recognized as part of a reduction of working time

The Spanish Supreme Court has rendered two judgments denying employees the right to change the distribution of working hours for family reasons. In the absence of an agreement with the employer, the right to flexible working time is only recognized for employees who request a reduction of working time by virtue of the Gender Equality Law. The high Court has thus settled the controversy whether or not there is an autonomous right entitling employees to change the distribution of working hours for family-care reasons. Francisco Gomez Abelleira, labor law professor at the Carlos III University of Madrid, is commenting these two decisions for Planet Labor. (Ref. 080929)
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.


The Spanish Supreme Court has rendered two judgments denying employees the right to change the distribution of working hours for reasons of reconciliation of work and family life. It ruled that the employer could refuse the request in cases where 1) the applicable collective bargaining agreement does not recognize such a right, 2) the employer and the employee have not reached an agreement regarding an alternative time schedule, and 3) the employee does not ask for a reduction of her working ti

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
United Kingdom: Parliament finally passes Employment Rights Bill
The UK Labour government's flagship reform of employment rights was passed by both houses on 16 December after a turbulent parliamentary process. The bill introduces numerous changes to labour...
18 December 2025
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
EU: MEPs demand directive on algorithmic management
Members of the European Parliament have called for a directive on algorithmic management. Such legislation would introduce obligations for companies to inform employees, assess health and safety...
17 December 2025
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
Spain: new terms and conditions for in-company training contracts
On 25 November, Spain's Council of Ministers approved a regulation on training contracts. This text defines the terms and conditions for hosting work-study students and interns doing professional...
2
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
3
Germany: apprenticeship openings fall sharply in manufacturing and chemicals
From 1 January 2026, Dutch collective agreements for temporary employment agencies will alter the employment conditions of temp workers. Agencies will be required to pay these workers at least the...