05 November 2024
Reduced working hours and no layoffs. The Spanish government is preparing to launch a series of measures to help businesses and workers affected by storm Dana. According to an initial estimate, the damage from the flood amounts to at least ten billion euros. Labor Minister Yolanda Díaz announced the main measures of the “Labor Shield” which will be retroactive starting from October 29 and includes the reduction of working hours. Companies are instead prohibited from firing.
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The announcement came after the meeting with the unions and business organizations of the Valencian Community. “From the first moment we work to move forward,” said the minister. “We are trying to save the entire Valencian productive fabric, direct and indirect, all the companies and all the jobs affected by the consequences of the flood”, underlined Diaz.
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The provision will be discussed in the extraordinary meeting of the Council of Ministers convened by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. The measures will not be limited to the municipalities affected by the disaster, because “production activities do not depend on the postal code or geographical limitations”. People who do not go to work for various reasons, such as taking care of family members or cleaning the house from mud and repairing it “will not lose their salary and contributions nor will they have any sanctions”. For those who have problems getting around, perhaps because they lost their car in the flood, the possibility of resorting to smart working is being studied. Domestic workers whose contracts are suspended due to Storm Dana will be protected in the same way.
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**Interview with Labor Minister Yolanda Díaz on Spain’s Response to Storm Dana**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Minister Díaz. The recent storms have caused severe flooding in eastern Spain, with estimated damages reaching ten billion euros. Can you explain the key measures the government is implementing to assist affected businesses and workers?
**Yolanda Díaz:** Thank you for having me. Yes, the impact of Storm Dana has been devastating, particularly in regions like Valencia and Catalonia. In response, we are introducing our “Labor Shield” measures, which will be retroactive starting from October 29. These measures include reduced working hours for affected workers, and importantly, we have prohibited layoffs during this crisis. Our focus is on preserving jobs and ensuring that businesses can survive this challenging period.
**Interviewer:** That sounds like a significant intervention. How do you believe these measures will impact local businesses in the long term?
**Yolanda Díaz:** Our primary goal is to protect the Valencian productive fabric. By reducing working hours instead of implementing layoffs, we aim to help businesses maintain their workforce while managing costs. This strategy not only supports employees but also ensures that businesses can rebound more effectively once the immediate crisis passes. It’s crucial that we all work together to support recovery.
**Interviewer:** What feedback have you received from businesses and unions regarding these measures?
**Yolanda Díaz:** The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. During our meeting with unions and various business organizations in the Valencian Community, there was a shared understanding of the need for supportive measures. Everyone is committed to working together to overcome this challenge, and we believe that these proactive steps will facilitate collaboration between the government, businesses, and workers.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a concerted effort is underway. Lastly, how does the government plan to monitor the effectiveness of these measures?
**Yolanda Díaz:** We will closely monitor the situation through ongoing discussions with local authorities, businesses, and labor representatives. Our goal is to ensure these measures are effectively addressing the needs of those affected. Furthermore, we are open to adapting our response as needed based on real-time feedback and evolving circumstances.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Minister Díaz. We wish you and your team the best in these efforts to rebuild and support the communities in need.
**Yolanda Díaz:** Thank you. Together, we will recover and emerge stronger from this situation.
