The Fight for Better Working Conditions Intensifies
The National Strike Committee, representing various medical organisations, has reaffirmed its decision to carry out a strike between 15 and 19 June. This action follows a meeting with the Ministry of Health which, according to the organisers, did not offer concrete solutions to address the reform of the Framework Statute, a key document regulating the working conditions of healthcare staff.
Despite efforts made in previous months to engage in dialogue with health authorities, organisations such as the Spanish Confederation of Medical Unions (CESM) and the Andalusian Medical Union (SMA) have expressed their frustration at the lack of progress. In an official statement, they pointed out that the meeting did not result in new proposals, leaving an ongoing conflict that has already sparked multiple mobilisations.
As part of the protest calendar, a state concentration has been called in Madrid on 15 June at 12:00 hours, in front of the Ministry of Health. Active participation from doctors and healthcare professionals from different autonomous communities is expected. The aim is to highlight their labour demands and express their dissatisfaction with the current situation.
Among the main demands of the medical collective are the creation of a specific statute for healthcare professionals and a thorough review of the current labour model. Additionally, they are calling for a more balanced working day and a more flexible retirement system. These demands have remained unchanged since the beginning of the conflict, reflecting the urgency for significant changes in the sector.
As a result of the stagnation in negotiations, many doctors have decided to suspend voluntary activities known as peonadas, as an additional form of protest. This decision has been adopted in several regions of the country and is directly linked to the unsatisfactory working conditions they face daily.
The Health Minister of the Community of Madrid has openly criticised the Ministry for its approach to the reform of the Framework Statute. According to her, this process cannot be carried out without involving the professionals: «You cannot reform from an office; it must be done alongside them», she stated during a recent public declaration. The lack of consensus between the parties is evident and raises serious doubts about how to move towards effective solutions.
As the scheduled date for the strike approaches, doctors are making an urgent call to the Government to present concrete measures that will allow progress on their demands. The resolution of the conflict now depends more than ever on the genuine commitment from the administrations to address these fundamental concerns.
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