Public Administration Employment: Collective Bargaining and Leave Regulations

Negotiating Tables for Public Administration Staff

For the negotiation of the terms of public administration work, a general table of negotiations is formed within the field of state administration, as well as in each of the Autonomous Communities and local bodies responsible for determining the working conditions of staff in relevant areas. These will later form the sectoral collective bargaining tables and determine working conditions in the following six sectors:

• Teaching staff in university schools.
• Non-personal services in Public Administration.
• Staff for public health administration.
• Public Administration staff.
• Service staff for universities.
• Central Public Administration and managing bodies of the Social Security.

Powers and Meeting Frequency of Negotiation Tables

The powers of the sectoral tables mean that those issues have not been subject to decision by the general table. Both the general and sectoral tables will meet at least annually. Once convened, the following subjects will be negotiated in their respective areas and in relation to the competencies of each Public Administration:

• Increased salaries for regular staff and public administration officials.
• Remuneration of public staff.
• Employment offers plans.
• Job classification.
• Promotion programs for internal training and professional development.
• Benefits and pensions for public servants.
• The system of membership, provision, and promotion of training for public officials.
• Proposals on union rights and participation measures on health and safety.

Unpaid Leave: Types and Conditions

Unpaid leave signifies an interruption of employment. There are two main types:

Voluntary Unpaid Leave

This type of leave can be granted under specific conditions:

1. For Officers in Other Public Bodies: Those who are officers on active duty in another body of either Public Administration or provide services in public sector bodies, and are not in another administrative situation.
2. For Private Interest: Officials may request this leave for private interest. The staff must have been working for at least 5 years immediately prior. The leave duration must be a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 15 years. However, officials who accredit having paid contributions to any Public Administration for a maximum of 15 years may have specific conditions.
3. For Family Reasons: This leave may be requested for family reasons, with a duration of a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 15 years. Officials whose spouse resides in another municipality due to obtaining or definitively holding a position must apply for readmission to active service before the end of the 15-year period. Otherwise, they will not automatically be declared in a voluntary leave situation for private interest.
4. For the Care of Children: The official shall be entitled to a period of leave to address the care of each child, whether natural or adopted. This leave can be applied for at any time after the date of birth or adoption, with a duration of up to 3 years from the date of birth. Officials will have the right to reserve their position; however, if readmission is not sought before the end of the leave period, they will be officially declared in a state of voluntary leave. Child placement produces the same effects as adoption and for the same period.