When you decide to get hired within a certain field of activity you need to be aware of certain risks that may arise. In case you are not properly informed about the recruitment process, some unexpected details might occur and get you caught in a trap. After having been pressed by international institutions, the Spanish government has decided to comply with the reforms. However, this happened without the involvement of trade unions or employees, which caused a string of revolts.

The labor force in Spain is thoroughly regulated by the law having the main purpose to protect the employees’ rights. It is important to know the work regulations in your professional sector because each category has its own set of requirements called Collective Agreement.

What does this mean?

Collective Agreement is an instrument through which employees and employers negotiate the rights and obligations contained in the agreement.

The collective agreement is aimed at legalizing productivity and working conditions, as well as pursuing the repayment of the obligations of both bars in order to obtain a consolation. The agreement is renewed each year if neither party has any objection.

What are the main areas covered by collective agreements? 

  • Economic issues (wages, leaves, etc.). To avoid problems, make sure you agree to a gross annual salary if it is divided into 12 payments or 16 payments. Another issue refers to the periods when you might be sick. If you do feel too sick to go to work, all you have to do is find a doctor that signing you that you are not really fit to work. Having that confirmation, the social security will be bound to pay the salary of the employee after a period of time. The employee is also entitled to 15 days (including weekends) for celebrating marriage, 2 days for the birth of a child or the death of a family member, 1 day for home relocation, 4 months for maternity leave and 20 days for leave of paternity;
  • General work information (daily, weekly and annual work, professional categories, duration of contracts, required performance, etc.);
  • Unions (business councils, staff delegates, etc.);
  • Conditions of employment;
  • Relations between workers and their representative organizations with the employer and business associations;
  • Assistance (voluntary improvement of social security);
  • Professional promotion measures;
  • Working conditions and productivity;
  • Obligations aimed at regulating labor peace;
  • Measures to promote equal treatment and opportunities between women and men at work or, where appropriate, equality plans.

The more selective and better the hiring process, the more candidates will be impressed by the company and will want to work for it. A multi-stage selection will help the candidate appreciate its progress, understand that he can grow as a professional and will have its value for the company confirmed after having passed through the stages of employment.

Should you have any more questions regarding the employment process in Spain, please feel free to contact our office.