Nationwide Strike by Auxiliary Nurses in Canary Islands and Government Response

Background

• On November 28, 2025, a nationwide strike by auxiliary nurses in Spain's Canary Islands occurred.
• The strike was organized by the union federation FAC-USO.
• The protest was against the professional classification of nursing staff.

Government's Response and Measures

The Health Ministry established essential service minimums to ensure continuity of critical healthcare services. They clarified that:

• Critical healthcare services must continue uninterrupted, including:
  • Urgent outpatient and home care
  • Cancer treatments
  • Dialysis
  • Emergency hospital services
  • COVID-19 diagnostics

The Ministry requires that 100% of staff be retained for urgent and high-priority medical activities, such as oncology and critical surgeries.

Service Limitations During the Strike

• Services will be limited to the most vital care.
• Hospital and primary care personnel will operate with a minimal guaranteed staff level.

Government Priorities and Legal Context

• This approach underscores the government’s priority to balance workers' rights with the community’s health needs.
• It highlights that the right to strike has limits when public safety is at stake.
• The decision follows legal guidelines ensuring the maintenance of essential services.
• It reflects ongoing tensions between healthcare workers’ demands for recognition and the government’s duty to protect the public interest.