The DANA in Spain has left a deep wound on the Valencian Community, and as expected, its productive system was no exception. More than 100,000 self-employed workers and SMEs, fundamental pillars of the local economy, are in a critical situation after the floods that devastated numerous businesses and agricultural holdings. In response to this emergency, the President of the Valencian Generalitat, Carlos Mazón, has requested a package of urgent measures specifically designed for this group from the central government, following the proposals of the National Federation of Self-Employed Workers’ Associations (ATA).
Autónomos (self-employed workers), from merchants and artisans to farmers and professional services, are among the most affected groups. Many have seen their businesses paralyzed or destroyed. For them, direct aid, deferrals of tax and social security payments, and low-interest credit lines have been requested. Farmers, in particular, who have suffered millions of euros in losses to crops and infrastructure, need specific measures such as aid for the recovery of their farms, replacement of damaged machinery and equipment, and streamlined bureaucratic procedures.
The ATA has proposed a series of extraordinary measures, including a benefit for cessation of activity and exemption from social security contributions for companies that request a Temporary Employment Regulation Record (ERTE). These measures, which could benefit more than 51,000 self-employed workers and 54,000 SMEs, represent a ray of hope for a sector that has suffered a difficult blow.
SMEs have also suffered all the DANA consequences. Numerous companies, small and medium-sized ones, have seen their activity interrupted and suffered significant economic losses. For them, measures such as the activation of the Temporary Employment Regulation Record (ERTE), bonuses on Social Security contributions, and direct aid for the replacement of machinery and equipment have been proposed.
“The situation of self-employed workers and SMEs is extremely delicate,” Mazón said. “We need to act quickly and effectively to prevent businesses from disappearing and jobs from being lost.”
Although these measures are still pending approval, the Valencian Generalitat is working intensively to expedite procedures and ensure that aid reaches those affected as soon as possible. Collaboration between the administrations and the ATA has been fundamental in designing a rescue plan that addresses the real needs of self-employed workers and SMEs in Valencia.
Labor Measures to Protect Workers Affected by the DANA
The crisis caused by the DANA is beginning to have a significant impact on the labor market. To protect workers’ rights and ensure their well-being, the Ministry of Labor has implemented a series of measures, including:
- Priority of telecommuting: Telecommuting is encouraged whenever possible to ensure worker safety and facilitate rescue efforts.
- Prohibition of layoffs: Layoffs are prohibited for workers who are absent from work due to reasons related to the DANA.
- Paid leave: Paid leave has been established for workers in the following situations:
- Risk to safety and health: When commuting to work poses a danger to the employee’s physical integrity or interferes with rescue efforts.
- Need to care for family members: In cases of searching for missing family members, death of family members, or caring for family members due to the closure of educational institutions or public services.
- Loss of housing or belongings: When an employee has lost their home or essential belongings and cannot commute to work.
- Impossible working conditions: When working conditions at the workplace are severely affected by the DANA, therefore it is not possible to guarantee the worker’s safety or health.
Although the regulations governing these permits are still in the process of being approved, it is important to note that they will have retroactive effects. This means that workers who have already been absent from work for one of these reasons can request the corresponding paid leave.
Finally, companies must communicate clearly and transparently with their employees about these new measures, as well as the procedures for requesting leave and resolving any doubts. Effective communication will help ensure that workers are aware of their rights and can exercise them appropriately.
Additional Resources
Force Majeure ERTE
To request this support, you can call 060 (telephone number for office assistance), or through the SEPE’s electronic headquarters, indicating in the “Observations” section that it is a Force Majeure ERTE and also the company name.
Step-by-step guide to applying for a Temporary Cessation of Activity
You can download the guide on this link to learn how to request a temporary cessation of activity and what options are available to you according to your case.
