Medical Unionism Hopes to Redirect Negotiations for Professional Reclassification
After months of struggling to get the attention of the Ministry of Health, medical unionism is hopeful that negotiations for professional reclassification will be redirected with the new Minister of Health, Monica Garcia. Tomas Toranzo, president of the State Confederation of Medical Unions (CESM), expressed optimism about the possibility of progress on Wednesday.
CESM, along with medical unions from Catalonia, Andalusia, and Euskadi, has sent a letter to Minister Garcia to convey their growing discontent over what they perceive as continued economic and professional grievances. The group is particularly focused on the A1+ category and is willing to go to any lengths necessary to achieve their goals.
In addition to demands for a specific category for medical personnel and the full recovery of extra pay, the unions are also advocating for the formation of a statute with specific regulations for doctors. They argue that the unique training and sacrifices made by doctors warrant a distinct classification.
Mabel Arciniega, general secretary of the SME, highlighted the disparity in salary recoveries, with doctors receiving lower compensation compared to other professions. Rafael Ojeda, president of the SMA, emphasized the importance of attracting professionals to healthcare, especially in Primary Care.
The transfer of powers from doctors to other professional categories has also been a point of contention, with union leaders denouncing the administration’s actions as detrimental to patient care.
The solution, according to the union organizations, lies in the creation of a specific statute for medical personnel, starting with the consolidation of an A1+ category. They are calling for a modification of the Basic Statute of Public Employees to recognize the competencies and improve the remuneration of the medical group.
Toranzo emphasized the high level of expectations placed on the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Public Service, stating that they cannot allow themselves to be equaled to other professional groups and are willing to go to any lengths necessary to achieve their goals.
A meeting between Minister Garcia and the Health Minister of Catalonia, Manel Balcells, is set to take place soon, where the reclassification of A1 Nursing will also be discussed.
The medical unions are pressing for comprehensive changes in the classification of healthcare professionals, based on their unique training and expertise. They are hopeful that their efforts will lead to meaningful changes that will benefit both medical personnel and patient care.