Andalusia civil service labor disputes

The Andalusian administration has faced labor disputes regarding civil service examination requirements and remote work policies. Initially, the government proposed a B1 level second language proficiency requirement for public employment exams, a move Minister José Antonio Nieto described as ‘common sense’ to meet the needs of the tourism and immigration sectors.

Labor unions, specifically the Sindicato Andaluz de Funcionarios (SAF), criticized the measure, arguing that a B1 level is insufficient for professional service and may discriminate against older candidates. Following negotiations, the administration withdrew the B1 requirement for the current round of exams. However, the government intends to revisit language requirements for sub-group A1 positions in recruitment cycles between 2027 and 2029, pending further negotiations.

Recent developments indicate that the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Development, and Public Function has postponed negotiations regarding the B1 proficiency requirement until 2027. While the requirement remains waived for the current Public Employment Offer (OEP), the administration maintains that job openings published in the first half of 2027, 2028, and 2029 must include language requirements for sub-group A1 positions, affecting both open access and internal promotion. The SAF continues to demand clarity, arguing that requirements should be based on specific job roles rather than entire professional bodies. Additionally, the administration is expected to convene extraordinary sectoral meetings to address broader disputes, including the implementation of regulated remote work.