The Spanish government has approved the introduction of paid “weather leave”. People living in areas affected by extreme weather conditions will be entitled to four additional days. The regulations were approved almost a month after the tragic floods that devastated Valencia.
As explained by Labor Minister Yolanda Diaz, four-day leave will be granted to employees who cannot reach their workplace due to extreme weather conditions and cannot work remotely.
Orange or red alert
The rules will apply when the relevant authority – from local administrations to national agencies – issues an orange or red alert for adverse weather conditions. If unfavorable weather conditions do not subside within four days, the employee will be entitled to extend the leave.
The new regulations are due to be published in the Official Journal on Friday and approved by Parliament within a month. The initiative was inspired by similar arrangements adopted in Canada.
One month after the disaster
The project was adopted by the government a month after the tragic floods in southern and eastern Spain. This disaster claimed the lives of over 220 people, mainly in the province of Valencia. “The Guardian” recalled that several enterprises operating in the province came under fire for ordering employees to report to their offices despite the red weather alert. The companies later explained that state authorities sent the warnings too late.
PAP, The Guardian, Europa Press
Main photo source: PAP/EPA/KAI FORSTERLING