Little known out of the work, the decision of a Spanish court has now shed light on a controversial case involving the Mercado supermarket chain. At issue is an employee who got a 30,000 euros compensation in court, after the company has changed its working conditions in a discriminatory manner. The case was analyzed by the JUZGADO DE LO SOCIAL NO.
According to the Spanish newspaper AS, the process began at the end of 2024, when the Mercado employee was informed that it would be reclassified to a lower category that had occupied since 2016. The decision was translated into a 30% salary reduction and a change in their working conditions, something that led the employee to appeal to court.
The employee had been working in Mercado for several years and had been able to ascend to a position of greater responsibility within the company. Eight years later, he was confronted with a measure that he considered unfair and without legal foundation.
Salary reduction considered abusive
According to the publication Economist & Jurist, the worker was able to demonstrate in court that the reduced hours she was fulfilled was not incompatible with the duties of the position. Nevertheless, the company chose to put it in a lower category with a lower salary, claiming the need for “functional adjustment”.
The judge did not accept this argument. In the decision, it was established that the market measure was a violation of fundamental rights and represented a labor retaliation, contrary to Spanish law.
Court gives the employee reason
The court concluded that the Mercado employee had all the conditions to continue to hold the position she held and that the decision to dismiss her lacked legal basis. It was therefore considered null.
As a result, the company was ordered to pay compensation of 30,000 euros, which aims to compensate for the financial and personal losses suffered by the employee.
Previous resources had already given him advantage
Prior to this final judgment, the maid had appealed for more than once against the company’s measures. Two of these appeals have already been decided in their favor, indicating that there were failures in the way Mercado managed the case.
The new outcome reinforces the position of the worker and makes room for other employees in similar situations to advance with judicial complaints.
If you raise debate on work practices
According to the decision, the decision rekindled the discussion about work practices in the large distribution chains. Criticism point to the pressure performed on workers who reconcile functions with reduced times, often for family or health reasons.
Unions and labor associations stress that this type of decisions may constitute a form of discrimination, reducing acquired rights and weakening the position of workers before companies.
Example for future processes
Labor law experts stress that this decision may preceive other similar proceedings, showing that the courts are aware of any abuses. The cancellation of reclassification reaffirms the importance of respecting the fundamental rights of workers, even in large companies.
Balance between company and worker
The case also shows how the judicial system can function as a counterweight in labor relations. While companies seek flexibility in resource management, the law requires that they do not exceed boundaries that undermine the dignity or acquired rights of employees.
The compensation now decreed is not only a recognition of the injustice committed, but also a notice to companies about the consequences of arbitrary measures.
Way for greater protection
Despite the judicial victory, the worker underwent a long process of uncertainty. Experts cited by the same source recall that not all employees have the means or knowledge to face judicial battles, so they advocate reinforcements in supporting workers in labor conflict situations.
With this decision, the Mercado is required to replace the maid’s situation and to make up financially, but the debate on the protection of workers in large companies is far from over.
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