The union CC OO has alerted to the possible violation of labour rights following the transfer of the central clinical laboratory to Health Diagnostics. They are demanding the intervention of the Madrid Health Service to protect the affected workers.
The recent transfer of the central clinical laboratory, which includes hospitals such as San Sebastián de los Reyes and Vallecas, has generated strong controversy. The union CC OO denounced on Wednesday a violation of labour rights in the process, demanding the intervention of the Madrid Health Service (Sermas). This change occurred when the service, previously managed by UR Salud UTE, was awarded to Health Diagnostics, part of the Quirón Salud Group.
According to CC OO, on June 22, several workers who were not hired by the new company showed up at their posts and found that they could not access the facilities. Security personnel prevented them from entering as they were not listed as employees of HD. This situation has left many in a state of uncertainty regarding their future employment.
The union claims that the change was made without adequately guaranteeing the established labour rights. In their statement, they said: "Not all professionals have been taken on, and some have been left in a labour limbo." They have also held both the outgoing and incoming companies and Sermas responsible for being aware of the issues affecting the staff for some time.
The Health Department has responded by indicating that the regional government has no responsibility regarding the subrogation of laboratory staff. According to official sources, "the terms of reference did not include anything related to the subrogation or not of the workers" and this matter is being handled exclusively between the two companies involved.
Such situations are not new in the Spanish healthcare sector. In 2018, a similar case occurred with another laboratory where there were also complaints about lack of protection for labour rights during a similar process. Outsourcing in essential services like these poses significant risks for workers and for the efficient functioning of the healthcare system.
Despite the discontent expressed by CC OO, the Health Department has emphasized that they are working on a common strategy to improve personalised medicine and genetic precision within Sermas. However, this measure could be compromised if labour tensions between the involved companies persist.
The affected workers are expecting clear answers about their employment situation before June 30, the deadline to complete this transfer. In the meantime, it is crucial that both health authorities and companies take responsibility to avoid further conflicts and ensure an essential service without interruptions.
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