Health Crisis and Labour Markets in Globalised Capitalism: The Spanish Social Labour Intervention Model During COVID-19

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Before making proper suggestion, I have to mention that i haven't found the figures and graphs in the paper. I don't know if it is a technical issue but it is necessary to re-upload them (signalized to the editors).

1. In general the paper is interesting as a country case, but there is a need to understand better the uniqueness and positive model it represents at a Eu Level. Also in other countries like Germany and Italy  there have been extensive use of emergency labour instruments such as ERTEs (temporary employment regulation), subsidies, fiscal benefits, and the minimum income scheme. All countries have a different model behind, so it would be interesting to compare at least some models (e.g., Kurzarbeit in Germany, Cassa Integrazione in Italy) to assess how Spain represents a good example.

2. A second point which deserves more details and a more comparative approach regards the passive policies which characterize the Spanish model (subsidies, ERTEs). It would be interesting a reflection with other countries, to capture first if the turn towards more active policies (training, job placement etc) is an actual differentiation in the model itself, or these measures remain secondary. Second, a contrast with countries where active labour market policies have traditionally played a more central role (e.g., Nordic countries, France) can be useful.

3. some additional and updated literature is needed to contextualize the case

for example:

Krzysztof Goniewicz, Amir Khorram-Manesh, Frederick M. Burkle, Attila J. Hertelendy, Mariusz Goniewicz, The European Union’s post-pandemic strategies for public health, economic recovery, and social resilience, Global Transitions, Volume 5,2023, Pages 201-209

Clara Egger, Raùl Magni-Berton. A Comparative Journey into COVID-19 Policies in Europe. Covid19 Containment Policies in Europe, pp.1 - 20, 2024, 978-3-031-52095-2. ff10.1007/978-3-031-52096-
9_1ff. 

Gianmarco Fifi. (2025) A serious crisis that didn't go to waste? The EU, the Covid-19 pandemic and the role of ambiguity in crisis-management. Journal of European Public Policy 32:1, pages 128-151.

Arjen Boin & Mark Rhinard. (2023) Crisis management performance and the European Union: the case of COVID-19. Journal of European Public Policy 30:4, pages 655-675.

Lots of literature came out on the topic, and it needs some update.

Author Response

1. Before making proper suggestion, I have to mention that i haven't found the figures and graphs in the paper. I don't know if it is a technical issue but it is necessary to re-upload them (signalized to the editors).

2. Response: 

   As you suggested, we have incorporated the Figures into the text (pag.6-Figure 1; pag.7-Figure 2; pag.7-Figure 3; pag.8-Figure 4; pag.10-Figure 5; pag.11-Figure 6; pag.13-Figure 8; pag.14-Figure 9 y pag.15-Figure 10) and revised the bibliography (pag: 17-19). We have also added the references you indicated, incorporating them into the text as they provide a richer perspective (pag.2; pag.12)

3. In general the paper is interesting as a country case, but there is a need to understand better the uniqueness and positive model it represents at a Eu Level. Also in other countries like Germany and Italy there have been extensive use of emergency labour instruments such as ERTEs (temporary employment regulation), subsidies, fiscal benefits, and the minimum income scheme. All countries have a different model behind, so it would be interesting to compare at least some models (e.g., Kurzarbeit in Germany, Cassa Integrazione in Italy) to assess how Spain represents a good example
4. Response:

   At the same time, we have incorporated references to the German 'Kurzarbeit' and Italian 'Cassa Integrazione' models, which are similar to the Spanish ERTE. This has enabled us to evaluate their effectiveness and examine the similarities and differences between them. This is important because, despite pursuing similar objectives, the Spanish economic situation and labour market mean that the ERTE model is a more pertinent option for Spain, highlighting its uniqueness and positive impact (Including in pag.2; pag.14 y pag.16

5. A second point which deserves more details and a more comparative approach regards the passive policies which characterize the Spanish model (subsidies, ERTEs). It would be interesting a reflection with other countries, to capture first if the turn towards more active policies (training, job placement etc) is an actual differentiation in the model itself, or these measures remain secondary. Second, a contrast with countries where active labour market policies have traditionally played a more central role (e.g., Nordic countries, France) can be useful.

6. Response:  

   Finally, on the comparative approach regards the passive policies which characterize the Spanish model (subsidies, ERTEs). It would be interesting a reflection with other countries, to capture first if the turn towards more active policies. On this, a mention of comparative policy countries has been included in the introduction page.2 and also in the page. 14. Additionally, it should be noted that employment policies in the European Union have become fairly standardised for a number of reasons, not least because they are all based on the same labour intervention model. Although the territorial dimension is considered when designing and implementing various employment plans, there has not been enough innovation, with active policies remaining largely unchanged for over forty years. In Spain, for instance, three-quarters of the budget allocated to employment policies is spent on passive measures, leaving only a quarter for active measures. This trend is evident in most EU countries, but has a more significant impact in Spain, which has historically experienced high unemployment rates. This can be seen in the analysis of Spanish ERTEs.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This is a strong, well-researched, and compelling article that offers valuable insights into the Spanish social labor intervention model during the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper’s central argument—that Spain's unique intervention was an effective model for maintaining employment and preventing massive destruction in the labor market—is convincingly supported by a combination of statistical data analysis and insightful engagement with theoretical frameworks. However, some areas could be strengthened to further enhance the paper's impact.

1) Deepen the Analysis of the "Uniqueness" Claim: While the abstract and introduction assert the uniqueness of the Spanish model, the paper could benefit from a more in-depth exploration of the specific factors that set it apart from other European models. Compare the key features (e.g., the ERTE mechanism, the modification of the "Ingreso Mínimo Vital", and internal flexibilization measures) with similar policies in countries like Germany, France, or Italy. Provide concrete examples of the relative effectiveness of these measures in different national contexts. What specific institutional or political factors enabled the Spanish model to succeed (or fail) in ways that other models did not?

Example: Instead of just stating that the model is unique, delve deeper: "While many European nations implemented short-time work schemes, the Spanish ERTE, unlike the German Kurzarbeit, included [insert key difference, e.g., broader eligibility criteria, more generous wage replacement rates, stronger protections against dismissals]. This difference resulted in [quantifiable impact, e.g., lower unemployment rates in specific sectors, higher levels of worker satisfaction] in Spain."

2) Address Potential Counterarguments and Limitations: Acknowledge potential weaknesses or criticisms of the Spanish model. For instance, some might argue that the ERTEs merely delayed unemployment or masked underlying structural problems in the Spanish economy. Discuss the long-term sustainability of these interventions. Did they create unintended consequences, such as increased government debt or distortions in the labor market?

Example: "While the ERTEs proved effective in the short term, critics argue that they may have prolonged the survival of unviable businesses, leading to a misallocation of resources and hindering necessary structural reforms. The long-term implications of these interventions, particularly regarding government debt and productivity growth, warrant further investigation."

3) Strengthen the Discussion of Changes in Work Organization: Section 4.2 provides a good overview of how Spanish companies adapted to the pandemic. However, the analysis could be more nuanced. Explore the heterogeneity of experiences across different sectors and firm sizes. What were the most successful strategies for adapting to remote work, and what challenges did companies face? Investigate the potential for these changes to become permanent features of the Spanish labor market.

Example: "While teleworking became more prevalent, its adoption varied significantly across sectors. Companies in the technology sector, for instance, were better equipped to transition to remote work than those in the hospitality industry, which faced significant challenges in adapting their business models."

4) Refine the Conclusion: The conclusion could be more impactful by summarizing the key findings in a concise and compelling way and by offering broader implications for policymakers. How can the lessons learned from the Spanish experience inform the design of future social labor interventions? What are the key factors to consider when developing effective policies to mitigate the impact of economic crises on employment?

Example: "The Spanish experience demonstrates the importance of a proactive, flexible, and well-targeted social labor intervention in mitigating the adverse effects of economic crises on employment. Policymakers should prioritize [key policy recommendations, e.g., investing in skills training, strengthening social safety nets, promoting labor market flexibility] to build more resilient and inclusive labor markets that can weather future economic shocks."

Author Response

1) Deepen the Analysis of the "Uniqueness" Claim: While the abstract and introduction assert the uniqueness of the Spanish model, the paper could benefit from a more in-depth exploration of the specific factors that set it apart from other European models. Compare the key features (e.g., the ERTE mechanism, the modification of the "Ingreso Mínimo Vital", and internal flexibilization measures) with similar policies in countries like Germany, France, or Italy. Provide concrete examples of the relative effectiveness of these measures in different national contexts. What specific institutional or political factors enabled the Spanish model to succeed (or fail) in ways that other models did not?

Response: 

With regard to the analysis of uniqueness, we have incorporated references to the German 'Kurzarbeit' and Italian 'Cassa Integrazione' models, as you suggested. These models are similar to the Spanish ERTE scheme. This has enabled us to evaluate their respective effectiveness and identify their differences. This is important because, despite the fact that they pursue similar objectives, the Spanish economic situation and labour market mean that the ERTE model is a more pertinent option for Spain (page 2 and page 14)

2) Address Potential Counterarguments and Limitations: Acknowledge potential weaknesses or criticisms of the Spanish model. For instance, some might argue that the ERTEs merely delayed unemployment or masked underlying structural problems in the Spanish economy. Discuss the long-term sustainability of these interventions. Did they create unintended consequences, such as increased government debt or distortions in the labor market?

Response:

As you recommended, we have also addressed potential counterarguments and limitations, reinforcing the discussion of changes in work organisation and emphasising how Spanish companies adapted to the pandemic. We have also explored the relevance of the heterogeneity of experiences across different sectors and firm sizes to the argument on the singularity of the ERTE model in the Spanish case (page 14 and page 15).

Finally, as you also suggested, we have refined the conclusion by summarising the key findings more concisely and, we hope, more compellingly. We have also offered broader implications for policymakers and addressed the criticism of the Spanish Model Intervention that you mentioned (page 16)

 

 

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This revised version of the article has been fully and satisfactorily addressed in accordance with the recommendations.