Understanding the Difference Between Calendar Days and Working Days for Holidays

Holidays are an essential part of a worker’s rights, providing a period of rest while still receiving a salary. In Spain, labor legislation guarantees employees a minimum of 30 working days of holiday. However, confusion often arises when terms like “calendar days” and “working days” are mentioned in employment contracts. Understanding this distinction is crucial for comprehending the terms of your contract. If you’ve ever found yourself questioning the meaning of these terms, read on for clarification.

What are Calendar Days?

Calendar days refer to any day of the year, including weekends, public holidays, Christmas, or New Year’s Day. Put simply, a calendar day encompasses every day of the year. Consequently, a working day is always considered a calendar day.

Calculating Calendar Days for Holidays

Calculating calendar days is straightforward. For instance, if your contract grants you 22 calendar days starting from March 10th, your holiday period will extend until April 2nd.

What are Working Days?

Working days, as the name suggests, are the days designated for work, excluding Sundays and public holidays. Depending on the specifics outlined in your employment contract, Saturday may or may not be considered a working day.

Calculating Working Days for Holidays:

Determining working days can be slightly more complex as it involves accounting for public holidays and the working calendar. If your contract states that you are entitled to 22 working days of holiday, this equates to 30 calendar days, with the difference of 8 days accounting for weekends within the period.

Differentiating between working days and calendar days is crucial for a proper understanding of your employment contract. Failure to grasp this distinction could have significant consequences in both your professional and administrative life. At GyV Asesores, we specialize in managing workers’ rights and aim to safeguard your working conditions. Should you have any doubts or queries regarding your employment contract, feel free to schedule an appointment with us. We are here to address all your concerns and provide the assistance you need.