PPBOCS Implements 35-Hour Week for Civil Servants in Valencia

The introduction of the 35-hour workweek for civil servants in Valencia has sparked debate regarding its effectiveness and the cost to self-employed individuals.

## The Clock Strikes 35 Hours in Valencia

The **Generalitat Valenciana**, under the government of **PP** and **Vox**, has decided to reduce the working hours for public civil servants to **35 hours per week**. This measure, taking effect in **2024**, aims to improve work-life balance and efficiency within the public sector. The decision has been met with mixed reactions, particularly from the self-employed community, who view this measure as a potential increase in tax burden needed to sustain public services.

## Who Pays the Bill?

The main concern revolves around the cost this reduction in hours could impose on public coffers. While it is argued that productivity may increase, the reality is that maintaining the same level of service with fewer working hours might require greater hiring or payment of overtime. This inevitably affects the budget and, consequently, the taxes paid by citizens and, especially, the **self-employed**. The question arises whether this measure will truly benefit the citizenry or if it becomes an unsustainable expenditure.

## The Self-Employed Perspective

For many self-employed workers, the news comes as a cold shower. The narrative surrounding this issue focuses on the perception that self-employed individuals work long hours to fund civil servants’ salaries, and a reduction in hours for the latter without a clear corresponding increase in efficiency or savings aggravates this feeling of injustice. The question is whether this public policy aligns with the economic reality of those who sustain much of productive activity.