Negotiating the new normal: Telework and Collective Bargaining in Spain

Abstract

Teleworking, as it is currently understood, is based on the existence of paid professional activity carried out on behalf of another person; performed with decentralisation of the workplace; characterised by the means and technology used to provide the services and with a certain attenuation of the relationship of subordination. Therefore, it can be said that it is a specific form of remote working characterised by the intensive use of new information, communication and telecommunication technologies. In this system of working, is there scope for the collective determination of working conditions? Is there room for collective bargaining? These are the questions that this article seeks to answer. The national collective bargaining agreement has sought to establish some rules for this collective regulation. Are they sufficient? Have they been transferred to collective agreements?