The Spanish government approved today (November 28) a four-day “paid climate leave” for workers to avoid commuting during extreme weather conditions, nearly a month after floods in Valencia claimed 230 lives.
This new measure, passed by the Council of Ministers as part of a risk mitigation package, aims to “adapt Spain’s labor laws” to the climate emergency, explained Labor Minister Yolanda Díaz on public broadcaster RTVE. Workers will be entitled to four days of state-paid leave whenever an alert is issued by local, regional, or central authorities, Díaz noted. She represents the far-left Sumar party.
The minister did not provide further details about the type of alert or specific conditions workers must meet to qualify for the leave.
Many companies faced harsh criticism after the October 29 floods for requiring employees to continue working despite a red alert issued by the national meteorological agency (Aemet). The companies, in turn, accused the authorities of failing to provide timely updates and only sending emergency alerts to residents’ phones late in the afternoon, hours after Aemet had raised the alarm.
Going forward, “once any authority, regardless of its level, signals a travel risk, employees should avoid going to work,” said Díaz, stressing that “no worker should have to take unnecessary risks.”
The maximum duration of the climate leave is capped at four days. However, companies can place employees on “technical unemployment” if necessary.
Experts warn that “the cost of such (climate) events could double by 2050,” as highlighted by Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo. The cabinet also approved a new aid package worth €2.3 billion for flood victims.
