El trabajo a tiempo parcial: algunos comentarios valorativos

Abstract

The successive modifications that the legal regime of part-time work has undergone encourages a critical review of its contents. In this work some of its most outstanding problems are raised. Among them, those relating to the concept of a part-time contract and to the requirements of the written form that must be observed stand out. Attention is also devoted to the regime of the so-called ‘complementary hours’ and the purpose to which they currently comply. Next, some comments on the validity of the principle of voluntariness and on the possible function of the part-time contract as a bridge to typical full-time work are addressed. Some reflections are also made about the links between this type of contract and discrimination based on sex. With regard to Social Security issues, the discussion departs from the principles of equal treatment and proportionality in order to comment on the central issues of debate: of contribution, of lenghts of time imposed, of applicable percentages, of contribution gaps... Particular reference is made to unemployment protection.