labor Ministry Ends Permitted Bereavement Leave Talks with CEOE, Will Seek Congressional Action with Union Support
madrid – december 4, 2025 - negotiations between the Spanish Labor Ministry and the CEOE (Spanish Confederation of Employers and Industries) regarding paid bereavement leave have collapsed, with the Ministry announcing it will now pursue legislative action through Congress, but only with the backing of major labor unions. The decision follows months of stalled discussions over the scope and duration of permitted time off for employees experiencing the loss of a family member.
The impasse centers on disagreements over the length of leave and the categories of family members covered. While the Labor Ministry, led by Secretary of State for Labor and Social Economy, joaquín Pérez Rey, sought a standardized national framework offering at least three days of fully paid leave for immediate family deaths, the CEOE argued for maintaining current collective bargaining agreements and opposed a legally mandated minimum. This breakdown impacts millions of Spanish workers and perhaps sets the stage for a parliamentary debate on employee rights.
“We have reached a point where further negotiation with the CEOE is unproductive,” stated a Ministry spokesperson. ”We are committed to ensuring all workers have access to adequate bereavement leave,and we will now work with unions to present a proposal to Congress that reflects this commitment.”
The CEOE has criticized the Ministry’s decision, framing it as a unilateral move that disregards the principles of social dialog. “This is a new attack on companies,” a CEOE representative declared, adding that imposing a national standard would create administrative burdens and hinder the flexibility of existing labor agreements.
Currently, bereavement leave provisions in Spain vary widely depending on collective bargaining agreements and regional regulations. Some companies offer several days of paid leave, while others provide only unpaid time off. The Ministry’s proposed legislation aims to establish a baseline standard across the country, aligning spain with other European nations that have more comprehensive bereavement leave policies.
The Ministry intends to begin consultations with major unions – including CCOO and UGT – immediately to finalize the legislative proposal. A timeline for presenting the bill to Congress has not yet been announced, but officials anticipate a debate early next year. The outcome will likely depend on securing sufficient parliamentary support, potentially requiring negotiations with other political parties.
