Excedencias

Excedencias are a legal concept in Spanish labor law that allows an employee to temporarily suspend their employment contract. This suspension is typically voluntary and is granted for a specific period, after which the employee has the right to return to their previous position or an equivalent one. There are various types of excedencias, each with its own requirements and conditions.

One common type is excedencia voluntaria, which can be requested by the employee for personal reasons, such as caring for family members or pursuing personal projects. The duration of a voluntary excedencia can range from a minimum of four months to a maximum of five years. Another significant category is excedencia por cuidado de hijos o familiares. This type of excedencia is specifically designed to allow parents to care for their children up to the age of three, or to provide care for other family members who are dependent on them. The duration here is also regulated, often tied to the age of the child or the period of dependency.

During an excedencia, the employment relationship is suspended, meaning the employee is not entitled to wages or benefits from the employer. However, their job security is generally protected, and they retain certain rights, such as the right to return to their job. The specific rules and regulations governing excedencias are detailed in the Estatuto de los Trabajadores (Workers' Statute) in Spain, and may also be further elaborated in collective bargaining agreements.