Trade unions in Spain are organizing protests to advocate for a 2.5-hour reduction in the 40-hour workweek, a proposal supported by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialist government aimed at enhancing productivity. The European Union emphasizes the need for Spain to close its productivity gap with economic rivals like the US and China. To gain business support, the government is offering hiring bonuses for small businesses with fewer than 10 employees, aiming to offset costs while maintaining service levels. The proposal allows for annual calculations of working hours, mitigating challenges in sectors with rigid shift patterns. However, business owners express concerns that this change may lead to employees working fewer hours for the same pay, which could increase labor costs. Historical precedents, such as France's 35-hour workweek, show mixed results regarding productivity and labor costs, raising questions about the potential efficacy of similar measures in Spain.