Labor Inspection Forces Semark to Pay Unpaid Overtime Hours
The labor authority has issued a ruling that forces the company Semark, owner of Top‑Cash supermarkets, to pay the extra time accumulated by its employees without receiving payment or rest days in return. This measure arises following a formal complaint filed by the works council, made up of the unions UGT, SUC and CCOO. The ruling not only orders the settlement of that debt, but also imposes on the company to strictly comply with current legislation from now on. ⚖️
The resolution also demands an annual computation and a visible calendar
In addition to settling the pending hours, the supervisory body requires Semark to calculate the total working hours of its workforce at the end of each fiscal year. At the same time, the company must create and publicly display the work calendar in all its establishments before January 2026 begins. With these requirements, the Inspection intends for the company to align with what the Workers' Statute and its own collective agreement dictate, thereby protecting employees' rights.
Key demands of the resolution:- Settle the overtime accumulated and uncompensated.
- Process the annual computation of hours worked by the entire workforce.
- Prepare and display the work calendar before 2026.
The unions celebrate the ruling, but warn: if breaches persist, mobilizations will be considered.
The unions consider possible actions if there are no changes
The organizations that promoted the complaint applaud the decision, but also issue a warning to the company's management. They indicate that if violations of the labor rights of the staff continue, they could consider calling protests and strikes. This warning reflects the tension in the relationship between the parties and exerts more pressure on Semark's executives to permanently modify their practices and avoid new confrontations.
Possible consequences of non-compliance:- Mobilizations and protests organized by the unions.
- Greater legal and social pressure on the company's management.
- New labor conflicts that could affect operations.
A shift towards schedule control
It seems that, finally, someone at Top‑Cash has found the Control key, although not to manage prices, but to regulate schedules and comply with the law. This case sets a precedent on the importance of respecting working time limits and adequately compensating workers' extra effort, a basic principle that every company must observe. 🔍