The family business warns of a political situation in constant "electoral mode"

BurgosThe president of the Family Business Institute (IEF), Ignacio Rivera, stated this Tuesday that companies and their executives are concerned about the "electoral mode" in which the political situation is currently taking place, and that it is "lasting longer and longer." In a meeting with journalists after closing the 28th IEF congress, held in Burgos, Rivera called on politicians to focus on solving problems and stressed the importance of "talking," because "the challenges we face are clear."

He insisted that one of the main concerns of business owners is absenteeism. as reflected in the interactive survey conducted among the businesspeople present at the congress, who at the same time assessed that the economic situation is now better than a year ago. The president of the IEF and the Hijos de Rivera Corporation, producer of Estrella Galicia beer, among others, has warned that absenteeism is "a dark cloud on the horizon" that complicates competitiveness and should be analyzed.

He has not provided formulas for solving it because, he added, that is the responsibility of politicians. "They have to look at the problems that exist and see how to correct them," and, among other things, they must act against absenteeism because it "undermines productivity."

He has not quantified its cost either, although he has stated that it represents around 7.4% of total working hours. Foment del Treball estimated it last year at 37 billion euros, the equivalent of 3.1% of the gross domestic product (GDP). In any case, the amount was reduced to 29 billion if sick leave was excluded from the calculation.

Reduction of working hours with dialogue

When asked about reducing working hours, he didn't oppose it "as long as it's discussed and agreed upon." If so, he said employers are open to it. And he reiterated his support for dialogue.

The other issue that worries employers is the difficulty of finding qualified labor, as also reflected in the interactive survey. And this affects geographically dispersed companies, like his own, even more. "It's harder to find labor in A Coruña than in Madrid," he added. In this regard, he called on the authorities to make greater efforts in education to recruit better-qualified people.

Rivera, who in his closing speech invited employers to "show their faces," later added during the meeting with journalists that employers should not have any complexes. "They should not be afraid to explain what they do," which contributes to employment and growth, he concluded.

During his speech, which was preceded by a video greeting from the President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), Nadia Calviño, Rivera forcefully stated that during the various interventions, some with opposing ideas, such as that of the Minister of Industry, Jordi Hereu, and the leader of the PP, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, "It has been proven that family businesses are essential, a vital part of the country's well-being."

Next year, this congress, which is traveling and will already have a different president, who will be chosen at the assembly next May, as provided for in the statutes, will be held in Madrid.