The Spanish government has approved a new Framework Statute for healthcare workers after months of protests, but the move has failed to quell unrest. Health Minister Mónica García did not attend the press conference. Government spokesperson Elma Saíz defended the measure, claiming support from majority trade unions SATSE-FSES, CC.OO., UGT, and CSIF.
Key demands not met include: counting on-call shifts towards Social Security contributions, night-work allowances or rest days, a specific A1 professional category for doctors, a 35-hour work week, and voluntary early retirement.
The new statute reduces maximum weekly working time to 45 hours-below the European average. On-call duties are capped at 17 hours of effective work, down from 24, though exceptions are allowed.
Critical unions have called a new nationwide demonstration for June 15 at 12:00 outside the Health Ministry headquarters in Madrid, accusing the ministry of delay and inaction. Saíz noted many demands now fall under the remit of Spain's autonomous communities.