On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the CSIF union of La Rioja took to the streets demanding urgent reforms from the Ministry of Health regarding the working conditions of healthcare professionals. The protest, which occurred in front of the Government Delegation, saw a small but passionate group of demonstrators, led by regional health delegate Rubén Truchuelo, showcasing their demands through banners and chants such as "More Rights, More Health" and "Minister, Do Your Job, You Must Negotiate."
Truchuelo articulated the union's primary demand for the reclassification of all categories of workers within the Riojan Health Service (SERIS). He stated that this reclassification "implies recognition and valuation of the work" performed, as well as a necessary salary increase. The union has been in negotiations with the Ministry for two years, yet progress has stalled, prompting their call for action.
In a manifesto shared during the protest, CSIF also emphasized the need for equal pay across all autonomous communities to combat the ongoing issue of professional migration and ensure that healthcare workers are adequately compensated for their contributions. Furthermore, the union is advocating for partial retirement options, including coefficients that reflect the demanding nature of healthcare work.
Truchuelo expressed frustration over the lack of progress in negotiations, stating, "We have been negotiating for almost two years without any advancement. After this time, it is necessary to accelerate the process." He underscored that the union's fight is not just about economic recognition but also about the dignity of the National Health System and the health of the entire population.
The protest in La Rioja was part of a larger series of demonstrations organized by CSIF across Spain, including a significant concentration of CSIF Sanidad delegates in Galicia, where they demanded concrete advances in the reform of the Framework Statute that governs labor conditions for statutory personnel in the National Health System.
During the Galician protests, CSIF reiterated its call for immediate reclassification of all professional categories and a reduction in guard hours without loss of pay. The union has been vocal about the stagnation in negotiations with the Ministry, which they claim has failed to fulfill its commitments. The Minister of Health, Mónica García, has been criticized for her inaction, with union representatives stating that she has refused to address crucial economic issues that impact healthcare professionals' working conditions.
In Madrid, CSIF delegates similarly gathered outside government sub-delegations, protesting against García's lack of commitment to negotiating a new Framework Statute. They voiced their concerns over the absence of salary improvements and the need for a comprehensive classification for all healthcare professionals. The union has warned that if the Ministry continues to ignore their demands, they will escalate their actions, including meetings with parliamentary groups and potential complaints to Brussels.
The grievances expressed by CSIF extend beyond immediate salary concerns. The union is pushing for a framework that ensures quality care within the National Health System, equitable remuneration, and increased staffing levels. They have also called for the adoption of a 35-hour work week for all healthcare workers and the recovery of the salary structure that existed before the cuts made in 2010, which have significantly eroded the purchasing power of public health workers.
In Extremadura, CSIF delegates held a similar protest in Cáceres, demanding a new Framework Statute that includes salary improvements and reclassification for all groups within the public health system. Emilia Montero, president of the regional health sector of CSIF Extremadura, lamented the lack of commitment shown by the Minister of Health, emphasizing that the negotiations have not progressed despite two years of discussions. Montero reiterated the necessity for a statute that caters to all professionals in the healthcare sector and aligns with their qualifications and responsibilities.
As part of their ongoing mobilizations, CSIF plans to hold additional demonstrations, including one in Logroño on May 20, 2025. The union has made it clear that they will continue to advocate for their demands until the Minister addresses their concerns. Truchuelo stated, "If the Ministry does not react, we will escalate our actions. This is just the beginning of many mobilizations."
The protests reflect a growing discontent among healthcare professionals in Spain who feel undervalued and underappreciated after years of austerity measures and stagnant wages. The CSIF's commitment to continuous mobilization indicates a collective determination to fight for better conditions and recognition within the healthcare system.
Ultimately, the outcome of these protests and negotiations remains uncertain, but the voices of healthcare professionals are increasingly resonating throughout Spain, calling for a fair and just treatment in a sector that is vital to the health of the nation.
