Employment
Código del Trabajo with aguinaldo and 15 days' severance per year
The Código del Trabajo (Ley 213/1993) governs employment. The ordinary week is 48 hours. Dismissal without just cause entitles the worker to 15 days' pay per year of service plus notice graduated by seniority. An aguinaldo equal to one twelfth of annual earnings is payable by the end of December.
Key rules
- Jurisdiction — National, enforced by labour courts and the Ministerio de Trabajo
- Deadline — Aguinaldo: paid by 31 December
- Deadline — Annual leave: 12 working days after one year, rising with seniority
- Deadline — Claims limitation: one year for most labour claims
Governing law
- Ley 213/1993 - Código del Trabajo
- Ley 5115/2013Ministerio de Trabajo
- Ley 5804/2017employer registry
In practice
Workers with more than ten years' service acquire enhanced stability: dismissal requires just cause proven before a labour court, and unjustified dismissal of such an employee attracts double compensation. The one-year limitation period for labour claims is short by regional standards and runs from termination.