Yes, unemployment protection also covers individuals who hold senior positions in public administrations, provided they are not civil servants and carry out their duties on an exclusive basis, as well as those holding representative positions within trade unions, whether full-time or part-time, with managerial responsibilities, as long as they receive remuneration.

However, if you hold a senior post within a public administration, you will not be entitled to unemployment protection if, as a result of leaving that position, you are entitled to receive salary payments, compensation or any other form of compensatory benefit.

That said, if you had an employment contract as an employee at the time you were elected, taking up the post entails a compulsory leave of absence from that employment, with the right to reinstatement and job reservation. If, at the end of the mandate, reinstatement is not possible due to the company’s closure, an employer’s refusal accompanied by a dismissal ruling, or other reasons, you will be entitled to unemployment benefit. All contributions made will be taken into account, including those prior to the compulsory leave, which will be regarded as a situation equivalent to being in employment.

If you are already receiving unemployment benefits and taking up a public or trade union office requires full-time dedication, the benefit will be suspended. Once the mandate ends, you may choose to resume the suspended benefit or, if you have built up sufficient contribution periods, to claim a new one.