Estatuto Básico del Empleado Público: Guía de un Veterano (Basic Statute of the Public Employee: A Veteran's Guide)

What is the Basic Statute of the Public Employee (EBEP)? I'm going to explain it to you as if we were having a coffee. I am Carlos Hidalgo, and I have been dealing with this issue for more than 20 years. Civil servants, interim, labor staff... I've been through almost everything. So, if you're looking for clear, simple information with a dash of humor, read on.

What is the Basic Statute of the Public Employee?

It is the Bible (yes, with a capital "B") of all of us who work in the Public Administration. The EBEP, regulated by Real Decreto Legislativo 5/2015, establishes the rules of the game: rights, duties, types of contracts and the rules of conduct for those of us who work at the service of all citizens. This text not only defines who we are, but also gives us a framework for all processes to be fair, equal and transparent.

The basics: If you work in the Administration, certainly the EBEP affects you, whether you are a civil servant, interim, labor or temporary staff.

Types of public employees

The EBEP classifies public employees into four main groups:

Career civil servants: The usual ones, those who pass competitive examinations and have a permanent relationship with the Administration. We are the ones who "never move" (bullshit! We work a lot).

Interim civil servants: Hired temporarily to cover emergencies. Important: they can only stay a maximum of three years in their position if it is vacant, according to the latest reforms.

Labor personnel: Hired under an employment contract. They may be permanent, temporary or for an indefinite period.

Personal eventual: They are those who do jobs of confidence or special advice. Their link with the Administration is as fleeting as that of a shooting star: they are terminated when the authority that hired them leaves.

What exactly does the EBEP regulate?

This statute is not just a legal document; it is a manual of labor coexistence. It covers:

• Rights and duties: From the right to equality and professional career, to leave for illness or family care.
• Selection and training: It ensures that access to positions is transparent and based on the principles of equality, merit and ability.
• Ethics and conduct: Prohibits behaviors such as nepotism and regulates impartiality.
• Working conditions: Leave, vacations, remuneration, and even the famous telework, which has its own regulation since 2020.

Recent changes and important developments

The EBEP is not static. It is being updated to adapt to current needs. For example:

Teleworking: It is now a recognized modality, with clear conditions on which positions can be developed from home.

Parental leave: Leave has been extended for care of seriously ill children until they reach the age of 23.

Reforms on interims: Vacancies filled by interims must be filled by career civil servants after 3 years. This has generated some uproar, but seeks to put an end to excessive temporariness in the Administration.

Stricter ethics: In recent years, the importance of impartiality and public service has been reinforced.

My experience: The good, the bad and the ugly

Working with the EBEP has its charm, but also its challenges. I tell you some anecdotes:

The good: Thanks to this statute, I got extra leave to take care of a family member. I didn't have to fight it, everything was well regulated. It is a lifesaver for delicate personal cases.

The bad: The interpretations. Sometimes, what seems "clear" in the EBEP, ends up being debated between departments. Not everything is as black on white as it seems.

The ugly: The selective processes. Although the EBEP guarantees equality, merit and ability, the paperwork and deadlines are eternal. We need to modernize this now.

Why is the EBEP important to you?

If you work in the Administration, this statute is your shield and your sword. It protects your rights and marks your obligations. It is the document you can turn to if you have doubts about your duties, leave or even to find out how to claim something you think is fair.

And if you are thinking of entering the world of public employees, knowing the EBEP is almost as important as knowing what day the exam is. Make friends with the TREBEP (Texto Refundido del Estatuto Básico del Empleado Público) and you'll thank yourself more than once.

Conclusion: A living document

The Estatuto Básico del Empleado Público is not just any document. It is the basis that gives us stability and guarantees to work in the service of citizens. Is it perfect? No. Can it be improved? Undoubtedly. But, as a veteran in this, I can say that without it we would be lost.

I hope this article has helped you to better understand what the EBEP is and why it is so important in our lives. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask me! In the end, this is a conversation.... and the coffee is in your hand!