Spain unveils 'weather leave' to shield workers from storms
In response to increasingly frequent extreme weather events, the Spanish government has approved the introduction of a four-day paid "weather leave."
4:38 PM EST, November 29, 2024
The new regulations aim to assist employees who cannot reach work due to adverse weather conditions.
"Weather leave" in Spain
According to Business Insider, data from the Spanish Ministry of Labor indicates that this leave can be extended until extreme weather no longer poses a threat. The ministry explained that these measures can be applied if any competent authority issues an orange or red alert concerning adverse weather conditions.
The new regulations will be published in the Official Journal on November 29th, and their approval by parliament is planned for the next month. The decision to introduce "weather leave" was made a month after the tragic floods that affected the southern and eastern regions of Spain, claiming the lives of over 220 people, primarily in the province of Valencia.
Floods in Spain
The great flood in Spain particularly affected Valencia, among other areas. In this region, over 220 people lost their lives. In Mid-November, rainfall exceeding 3.7 inches paralyzed Malaga, turning streets into rivers. Evacuation of local residents was necessary.
The introduction of weather leave aims to protect workers from the effects of such extreme phenomena.
