Six medical unions joined forces on Thursday against the Health Ministry to demand a separate statute, distinct from the general framework under negotiation. They threaten indefinite actions, including a possible strike, if there are no advances. Meanwhile, other health unions have secured commitments at the negotiation table.
On January 8, 2026, six medical union organizations announced their alliance to pressure the Health Ministry, led by Mónica García. The Spanish Confederation of Medical Unions (CESM), Andalusian Medical Union (SMA), Metges de Catalunya (MC), Association of Doctors and Senior Graduates of Madrid (AMYTS), Basque Medical Union (SME), and O’MEGA from Galicia demand a specific statute addressing peculiarities like on-call duties, schedules, and retirement.
These unions withdrew from the general Framework Statute negotiations in December after the ministry refused a parallel table. They argue the generic document fails to cover their needs, such as making on-call duties voluntary—reduced to 17 hours but still mandatory—or enabling early retirements and a higher labor category.
The ministry argues a separate statute would fragment rights and delay improvements after over 20 years without renewal. Due to lacking overall representativity, doctors are not at the main table, where SATSE-FSES, CC OO, UGT, CSIF, and CIG-Saúde reached a preagreement last month. On Thursday, they secured a commitment to negotiate pay with the Treasury.
The union alliance plans indefinite coordinated actions to heighten pressure. "The sole objective is to reach an agreement that addresses union demands and ensures labor rights for professionals," they stated. Additionally, APEMYF, comprising 16 organizations, called a strike for January 14 and 15. "Two more days not only continue the mobilizations but ensure the effectiveness of the December strike," they noted in a statement.
This coalition seeks direct dialogue with national and regional administrations, warning all involved to address delegated responsibilities.
