Spain and Mexico Labor Laws Define Paid Search Time and Sunday Premium for Workers

In Spain, workers dismissed under an objective dismissal are entitled to six paid hours per week during the pre‑notice period to look for new employment, as set out in article 53.2 of the Estatuto de los Trabajadores. The right applies only when the dismissal is for economic, technical, organisational or production reasons and when at least 15 days’ notice is given. The employee must request the hours in writing; refusal can be contested before labour courts or the labour inspectorate.

In Mexico, the Federal Labor Law (Article 71) obliges employers to pay a minimum 25 % premium on the regular wage for work performed on Sundays, which are normally the statutory weekly rest day. Workers should see the premium reflected on their pay slips and can request clarification from their employer or HR if it is missing. Both provisions aim to protect workers' income in specific circumstances.