Spanish health and education sectors face labor disputes

In the Balearic Islands, healthcare departments are requesting instructions from the Ministry of Health regarding the implementation of a 35-hour work week scheduled for January 1. Hospital management has expressed uncertainty over how to organize rotating shifts and staff reductions, as current guidance primarily covers fixed schedules. The nursing union Satse has threatened a strike and called for the resignation of Health Minister Marciano Gómez if implementation deadlines are not met. While the Ministry maintains that the transition will proceed as planned, concerns remain regarding the hiring of additional personnel to cover the reduction in hours.

Simultaneously, the teachers' union L'STEI has denounced the Balearic Ministry of Education for allegedly penalizing teachers who use family reconciliation permits. The union claims the administration deducts five hours of pay for an effective four-hour weekly reduction in working hours. According to L'STEI, this discrepancy results in an additional salary reduction of approximately 3%, which could amount to over 1,200 euros gross annually per affected teacher. The union highlighted that this financial impact is particularly severe given the high cost of living in the Balearic Islands.