Ávila forest fires spark demand for climate emergency leave for workers

More than 30,000 residents have been evacuated and 8,000 confined as forest fires rage in the province of Ávila, Spain. The left‑wing union Izquierda Unida (IU) is urging companies and public administrations to actively inform employees about the “climate permit” – a paid leave right introduced in the Spanish Workers' Statute for emergencies caused by extreme weather or catastrophes – and to ensure it is applied without obstacles for those affected by the fires.

Spanish labour law also guarantees a separate bereavement leave: workers are entitled to up to four days of fully paid absence when a close family member dies, covering spouses, partners and relatives up to the second degree of kinship, with two additional days if travel is required. The leave is paid in full and does not require a minimum length of service.