The government and the main unions have agreed to extend bereavement and care leave

At a glance

• The new bereavement leave would entitle employees to ten days of paid leave following the death of a family member.
• Two new leave categories are proposed: 15 days for caring for a relative in palliative care and one day to accompany someone undergoing euthanasia.
• The agreement was reached by the Social Dialogue Table involving unions and the Spanish government, and without the agreement of the employers' associations.
• The next step is for the government to draft a bill for parliamentary approval, where rejection remains possible.

The Spanish government and leading trade unions have reached an agreement through the Social Dialogue Table to significantly expand paid leave entitlements for workers facing bereavement or critical family care situations. The agreement has not been approved by the main employers' associations, which is part of the Social Dialogue Table.

Under the proposal, employees would be entitled to ten days of paid leave following the death of a family member, compared to the current 2-4 days. Two new categories of leave would also be introduced: 15 days for caring for a relative receiving palliative care and one day to accompany a person who has chosen euthanasia.

This initiative aims to strengthen workers’ rights during life’s most challenging circumstances. The agreement marks a significant step in improving support for employees facing family loss or serious health situations. However, the agreement does not have the backing of the main employers’ associations, which may affect its progress. The government will now prepare a draft bill for submission to Parliament, where similar agreements without employer support have often been rejected.