Spain approves ‘paid climate leave’ for workers during weather emergencies

Several companies came under fire after the 29 October catastrophe for ordering employees to keep working despite a red alert issued by the national weather agency (AEMET). ALSO READ: Sánchez defends central government’s response to Valencia floods, as aid rises to €16.6bn.

The firms said the authorities failed to inform them sufficiently and sent telephone alerts too late during the European country’s deadliest floods in decades. ALSO READ: Regional president of Valencia admits to ‘mistakes’ in handling flood disaster, but refuses to resign.

The new measure aims to ‘regulate in accordance with the climate emergency’ so that ‘no worker must run risks’, Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz told public broadcaster RTVE.

If emergency authorities raise the alarm about a risk, ‘the worker must refrain from going to work’, said Díaz.

Employees can resort to a reduced working day beyond the four-day period, a mechanism that already exists for emergencies, the government said. ALSO READ: Over 130,000 march in Valencia to protest handling of deadly floods.

Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo warned the cost of extreme weather events could double by 2050 as the government confirmed €2.3 billion of fresh aid for flood victims.

Scientists say climate change driven by human activity is fuelling the increased length, frequency and ferocity of natural disasters.

Hoy el @MSocialGob ha aprobado un decreto para impedir incrementos abusivos del precio final en contextos de urgencia, riesgo o necesidad.

Ninguna empresa o aplicación puede hacer negocio durante una emergencia social. Este es un paso clave para que los algoritmos no resten… https://t.co/JmY1In7EQ9

— Yolanda Díaz (@Yolanda_Diaz_) November 28, 2024