Spanish government will try to get labor unions and employers' organizations to accept a 33-day severance contract. Although the CEOE is promoting a 20-day version, CCOO and UGT would only endorse up to 33 days. Therefore the national government could opt to simplify the 33-day contract and do away with the 45-day contract. Aznar and Zapatero already tried to foster this plan, but it presented several barriers.
To not complicate things too much and to avoid relying on numerous human resources departments, the companies opted for the 45-day severance plan.
Still, this contract should be accompanied by a clarification of reasons for termination so that 20-day severance can be paid when it is truly justified. Until that happens, we will be far behind current practices in Europe.
