The Government is preparing measures against the abuse of temporary work in public employment and is limiting the problem to 200,000 temporary workers

The Spanish government has announced plans to address the widespread use of temporary contracts in public employment, with measures aimed at reducing the number of interim workers to less than 200,000. The initiative comes amid ongoing concerns over the long-term implications of such practices, which have drawn criticism both domestically and from European institutions. According to reports, the issue of temporary staffing in the public sector has persisted for over two decades. Currently, approximately one-third of all public employees hold temporary positions, a figure that has remained largely unchanged despite repeated calls for reform. This situation has led to several formal warnings from the European Commission and the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), highlighting Spain’s failure to comply with EU labor standards. The government has faced multiple legal challenges over this issue, prompting officials to take action. The Ministry for the Transformation of Digital and Public Administration, under the leadership of Óscar López, has conducted a comprehensive analysis of public sector staffing levels. The ministry has identified around 900,000 individuals currently employed on temporary contracts, with more than 200,000 having held these positions for over three years. These figures underscore the scale of the problem and the urgency of implementing reforms. To tackle this challenge, the government is working closely with regional governments to develop a range of policy interventions. These include stricter oversight of hiring practices, incentives for converting temporary roles into permanent ones, and increased transparency in workforce management. The goal is to ensure compliance with EU regulations while improving job security for public sector workers. The move reflects broader efforts to modernize public administration and align it with international labor norms. Critics argue that the current system creates instability and undermines worker rights, particularly for those who have been in temporary roles for extended periods. The government maintains that its approach will balance administrative efficiency with fair treatment of employees. Regional authorities are expected to play a key role in the implementation phase. Discussions are underway to determine how best to allocate resources and enforce new guidelines. Some regions may face greater pressure to reduce their reliance on temporary staff, depending on local labor market conditions and existing contractual obligations. The process is likely to involve negotiations and adjustments to meet national targets. As the government moves forward with its strategy, further details on specific policies and timelines are anticipated. The success of these measures will depend on collaboration between central and regional governments, as well as the willingness of employers to adapt to new rules. The outcome could set a precedent for future labor reforms in Spain.