This weekend, the winter time change for 2023 is upon us. In the early hours of Sunday, October 29th, the clocks will be turned back, marking the shift to winter time. In the Canary Islands, at 2:00 am, the clocks will be set back to 1:00 am, granting an extra hour for rest or late-night revelry for the energetic ones.
This change will affect sunrise and sunset times, with earlier sunrises and earlier sunsets becoming the norm from Sunday onwards.
Regarding work during the time change, Article 35 of the Workers’ Statute stipulates that overtime exceeding the maximum duration of the regular workday will be taken into account. Collective agreements or individual contracts dictate whether this excess time should be compensated with a fixed amount or with rest.
In cases where services are provided at night, such as security guards or emergency services, collective agreements often address time change situations, leading to compensation for both overtime and nighttime work, depending on specific arrangements.
The next time change is scheduled for March 31, 2024, when daylight saving time will resume. Subsequent changes are planned for October 27, 2024; March 30, 2025; and October 26, 2025.
The fate of time changes remains uncertain. In a 2008 public consultation, nearly 5 million European citizens, or 80%, voted to end the practice, prompting the European Commission to set 2019 as the last year for time changes. However, no consensus was reached among EU member states, preventing its implementation.
Article 5 of Royal Decree 236/2022 mandates the inclusion of the next time change dates in the Official State Gazette (BOE) every five years. Thus, Spain’s last scheduled time change is on October 25, 2026, although the practice’s future remains undecided.
The time change in Spain brings with it a set of advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
Energy Saving: The primary aim of the time change is to reduce electricity consumption by optimizing the use of natural light during peak hours. During daylight saving time, the need for artificial lighting in the evenings diminishes, resulting in significant energy savings.
Better Utilization of Natural Daylight: Daylight saving time provides brighter evenings, encouraging outdoor activities and enhancing people’s well-being by offering more natural light during their leisure time.
Benefits for Commerce and Tourism: Extended summer evenings lead to increased participation in shopping, dining out, and tourist activities. This boost in activity can have a positive impact on the local and regional economy.
Reduced Traffic Accidents: With more natural daylight during peak traffic hours, it is argued that the time change can contribute to a reduction in evening traffic accidents, potentially saving lives.
Enhanced Coordination with European Countries: Spain’s time change aligns with other European Union countries, streamlining cross-border activities and improving overall time management.
Disadvantages
Potential Circadian Rhythm Disruption: Critics argue that the time change can disrupt individuals’ circadian rhythms, leading to sleep disturbances and challenges in adjusting to the new schedules.
Difficulty Adapting to New Timetables: Some people may find it challenging to adapt to the altered time schedules, affecting their daily routines and activities.
Debate over Real Energy Savings: Opinions are divided on the actual energy-saving impact of the time change, with ongoing debates on its effectiveness in this regard.
In recent years, discussions have emerged regarding whether Spain should permanently adopt daylight saving time or winter time. These debates may play a role in shaping future legislation on the subject within the country.
