Telefonica to trial 4-day week as Spain’s telcos adjust to pandemic

MADRID: Telefonica will offer part of their workforce the opportunity to participate in a four-day week pilot programme, due to start in October and last three months, as part of wider negotiations with unions in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.

The deal, signed with Spanish labour unions on Tuesday and valid until end-2022, includes the three-month trial which would let staff work four days a week on a voluntary and role-dependent basis, in exchange for a 15% pay cut.

“We’re going ahead with a flexible working model which proved feasible during the pandemic,” Emilio Gayo, president of Telefonica Spain, said in a statement. “This agreement shows our strong commitment to new ways of working.”