Negotiations between the Canary Health Service (SCS) and doctors, following several strikes in recent months, appear to be progressing. Representatives from both sides met last Friday, describing the encounter as leaving "positive feelings."
SCS director, Adasat Goya, stated that "we have made considerable progress in resolving the conflict," despite mediation varying by union. He recalled that the situation stems from a national conflict affecting various autonomous communities, including the Canary Islands, due to unions extrapolating issues within the SCS's competence.
Goya noted that the most significant advancements are in key national-level demands, such as a specific faculty statute, the 35-hour work week, professional career progression, and overtime hours. He emphasized that "the majority of these demands are covered" in the islands, highlighting that the Canary Islands have already implemented the 35-hour week for years and possess one of the best professional career structures in the country, reaching the maximum level of recognition.
Regarding overtime pay, which is the State's responsibility, and the absence of a specific statute, the director indicated that a "specific negotiation framework" exists. Therefore, he believes the strike in the Canary Islands should not have a "long run."
Despite the complexity of the negotiations, which sometimes makes it difficult to achieve unanimous criteria among workers, Goya assured that "at the local level," efforts are being made to improve working conditions, remuneration, and rest periods.
