Planned Healthcare Strike in Canary Islands, Spain

Details of the Strike

• The Spanish Ministry of Labor has announced a planned two-day healthcare strike set for June 2nd and 3rd, 2025.
• The strike will affect the Canary Islands.
• It is called by the State Union of Higher Healthcare Technicians (SIETESS).
• The strike stems from failed negotiations over university degree recognition.

Government Response and Service Guarantees

• Despite the right to strike protected by the Spanish Constitution, authorities emphasize the need to maintain essential health services during this period.
• The Canary Islands’ health authorities have established minimum service guarantees, particularly for urgent and critical care.

Minimum Service Measures

• Ensuring 100% coverage for:
  • Urgent medical assistance
  • Cancer treatments
  • Dialysis
  • Vital surgical procedures

Goals and Tensions

• These measures aim to model a balance between workers’ rights and the community’s health needs.
• The announcement underscores ongoing tensions between healthcare workers seeking recognition and the government’s efforts to keep essential services running during industrial actions.

Additional Procedures

• The announcement details the procedures for legal challenges.
• It includes the process for notifying affected staff.

Summary

The decision highlights ongoing tensions between healthcare workers seeking recognition and the government’s efforts to keep essential services running during industrial actions, underscoring the importance of vital health services for residents and expats alike.