Spanish Healthcare Workers Stage Nationwide Strike Over Working Conditions and Reforms

Nationwide Action Highlights Deep-Seated Grievances

Doctors and medical professionals across Spain launched a one-day strike on Friday, October 3, 2025, following a breakdown in negotiations with the Ministry of Health over proposed reforms to the Framework Statute for staff in health services. The industrial action, which saw demonstrations in dozens of cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, Palma, and the Canary Islands, underscored long-standing demands for improved working conditions and professional recognition.

The strike was organized by several key medical unions, including the Confederation of Medical Trade Unions (CESM), the Andalusian Medical Union (SMA), Metges de Catalunya, and the Association for a Medical and Faculty Statute (APEMYF), which represents 16 medical organizations. The Spanish Medical Association (OMC) also endorsed the action.

Core Demands and Ministry's Stance

At the heart of the dispute is the medical community's rejection of the Ministry's draft reforms, which they argue fail to adequately address their concerns. Key demands from the striking healthcare workers include:

• The creation of a distinct legal status for doctors, separate from other healthcare system workers, often referred to as a 'Group A1+' classification.
• A fair system for the classification and accounting of working hours, with particular attention to overtime and rest periods.
• The inclusion of on-call shifts in pension calculations.
• A reduction in on-call duty days, aiming for a maximum of 12 consecutive hours instead of the current 24 hours.
• A maximum 35-hour working week and optional on-call shifts.
• Salaries that accurately reflect their qualifications and extensive training.
• The withdrawal of the Ministry's current draft Framework Statute, which unions contend worsens conditions.

The Ministry of Health, for its part, has expressed disagreement with the unions' proposal for a separate law specifically for doctors, suggesting it could lead to 'chaos and inequality' within the system. Health Minister Mónica García has defended the proposed statute, stating it 'will respond to the needs of professionals' and that negotiations remain open. The Ministry's reform proposal includes capping the work week at 48 hours, including on-call shifts, and prohibiting shifts longer than 17 hours.

Impact and Participation Rates

The strike led to the suspension of all non-urgent surgical operations across participating hospitals, though emergency services were maintained to ensure patient safety. Participation rates varied significantly across regions and reporting sources.

• Metges de Catalunya estimated a 58% participation rate across Catalonia, with 60% in Barcelona.
• The Catalan health department, however, reported a 9% follow-up among doctors in Catalonia based on data from 51% of health centers.
• In the Canary Islands, the Medical Union (CESM Canarias) claimed 75% support, while the Ministry reported 22.7% of doctors participated.
• Some regions, such as Valencia and the Balearic Islands, reported high participation rates of 80-100% and 85-90% respectively.
• Conversely, the Basque Country saw lower participation, with less than 10% of doctors joining the action.

This marks the second major doctors' strike this year, following a previous one in June. Medical professionals warn that the current 'degradation' of the healthcare system, characterized by long working hours and poor conditions, is driving young talent to seek opportunities abroad or in the private sector.