The Spanish Association of Distributors, Autoservices and Supermarkets, known as Asedas, has formally opposed a recently approved labour law aiming to reduce working hours. This law was passed by the Cabinet on the sixth of May and is currently being processed in Parliament. Asedas President Josep Antoni Duran i Lleida has sent a letter to Deputy Prime Minister and Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz outlining his concerns.

Duran expressed that the way the legislation has been showcased suggests it will primarily benefit workers in commerce and distribution. He emphasised that this perspective overlooks years of successful collective bargaining. Asedas believes the reports used to justify the law demonstrate a lack of understanding of the socio-economic realities within the distribution sector.

Duran noted that the portrayal of supermarkets and their role in the community is inaccurate, as these establishments provide extensive opening hours and adapt well to consumer needs. He indicated that the lack of communication with business representatives has restricted their ability to convey why the law is deemed inappropriate and damaging.

Asedas plans to request all parliamentary groups to support a complete amendment of the bill. The association represents seventy-five per cent of Spain’s food distribution, employing over three hundred forty thousand individuals, and insists the sector plays a vital role in job creation and economic stability.