Spanish medical union labor disputes

Spanish medical unions, including the CESM, SMA, and SME, have organized various mobilizations to address labor concerns such as working hours, professional classification, and retirement benefits. These actions are intended to pressure political parties ahead of the general elections on November 29.

Initially, unions planned a unified march in Madrid for November 21, moving from the Ministry of Health to the Congress of Deputies to present the ‘Mandato de la profesión Médica’. This strategy involved postponing indefinite strikes to focus on political engagement.

However, the situation escalated with the announcement of more direct industrial action. In Andalusia, the SMA called for an indefinite strike starting November 13, 2026, following failed negotiations with the regional government. This includes three weeks of continuous 24-hour stoppages through December 4. The Junta de Andalucía has contested the strike, citing existing commitments.

More recently, the Strike Committee announced a temporary suspension of indefinite strikes that were scheduled to begin on October 28. This decision follows the announcement of the November 29 general elections, which the unions believe alters the political landscape for negotiations with the Ministry of Health. The unions warned that mobilizations will resume if a new government fails to engage in effective negotiations regarding the ‘Estatuto Marco’ and overtime recognition.

Concurrently, the Andalusian Medical Union has reported incidents of violence against healthcare workers in Seville. Specific reports include a healthcare assistant being assaulted in Alcalá de Guadaíra and medical staff being forced to barricade themselves in an office in San Juan de Aznalfarache after being pursued by an individual armed with blades.