article_detail

Plans for a fresh round of doctors’ strikes across Spain have been put on hold after unions and the Ministry of Health reached a preliminary agreement that could ease months of tension over working conditions.

 

Following a lengthy meeting on Monday December 15, union representatives and Health Minister Mónica García agreed in principle on a draft Framework Statute that includes a standard 35-hour working week and improvements to retirement options. As a result, the strikes that were due to begin on Monday January 27, and continue every Tuesday thereafter, have been suspended while talks continue.

 

The Ministry of Health said the decision to pause industrial action would allow the new statute to move forward “in a stable manner”, giving both sides space to work towards a final agreement. Union sources have also confirmed their support for the current text, ruling out any withdrawal at this stage.

 

At the heart of the agreement is a commitment to introduce a 35-hour working week across the National Health System, although how this is applied will depend on local negotiations and the needs of each health service. The draft also opens the door to partial retirement for statutory staff who meet existing Social Security requirements, as well as the possibility of early retirement for certain professional groups, subject to a broader study of working conditions nationwide.

 

Health Minister Mónica García described the talks as the result of “nearly three years of discussions” aimed at improving conditions for healthcare professionals. She has acknowledged, however, that progress depends not only on her ministry but also on cooperation from regional governments and unions alike.

 

Union representatives struck a cautiously optimistic tone. One source said there was “real movement in the right direction”, adding that the aim now was to finalise the details before Thursday January 23. A further union meeting is due to take place on Tuesday to prepare a financial proposal linked to basic salaries, which are set at national level.

 

The announcement marks a significant shift after weeks of mounting pressure on health services, including in the Region of Murcia, where doctors recently warned of serious disruption as strikes went ahead. Earlier this month, doctors across Spain had already taken part in a four-day walkout over concerns that the proposed statute did not go far enough.

 

For now, patients and staff alike will be hoping this pause leads to a lasting solution. As one union voice put it, “This is not the end of the road, but it is a chance to get things right without more disruption.”

 

 

Image: Chatgpt