Minimal Turnout for TCAE Strike in the Canary Islands Sparks Debate

On Friday, a strike orchestrated by the Nursing Auxiliary Care Technicians (TCAE) in the Canary Islands aimed to push for their reclassification to Group C1. However, the event saw a disappointing participation rate of just 4.3%, according to the regional Ministry of Health. This low turnout has raised questions about the effectiveness of the strike and the underlying issues faced by the TCAE professionals.

Details on Strike Participation Rates

The strike mobilized a total of 3,290 personnel, with 1,326 directly affected by the action. Despite this significant number, only 57 individuals chose to participate in the strike. Gran Canaria reported the highest participation rate at 6.2%, with 22 out of 355 professionals involved. Tenerife followed closely, with 5.36% of its workforce, or 28 out of 522, taking part. In stark contrast, Lanzarote recorded a participation rate of 3.74%, while Fuerteventura had an alarmingly low rate of just 1.15%. Notably, the islands of La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro reported no participation at all, highlighting a stark divide in engagement across the region.

Union’s Perspective on Participation Challenges

The union representing the TCAE, USO, has raised concerns regarding the reported figures, arguing that they do not accurately reflect the true circumstances surrounding the strike. They claimed that the establishment of what they termed ‘100% minimum services’ significantly hindered staff from exercising their right to strike effectively. Union representatives indicated that workers were forced to take turns participating in protests due to these imposed service levels, which they criticized as ‘abusive.’ They pointed out that in other regions, minimum service levels range from 25% to 60%, suggesting that the Canary Islands’ requirements are excessively stringent. For example, on La Palma, only those not on duty were able to join the protests, as others were obligated to maintain full operational capacity.

Government’s Defense Against Union Allegations

In response to the allegations made by the union, the Ministry of Health defended its stance, asserting that the minimum service levels implemented during the strike were consistent with those established in previous labor actions. They clarified that in Primary Care, these minimum services would only apply to the Extrahospital Emergency Service, affecting a limited number of workers. Hospital services were maintained at operational levels akin to those on Sundays or public holidays. The Ministry emphasized that only critical areas, including Medical and Radiotherapy Oncology, Dialysis, Day Hospital, Hospital Pharmacy, and specific high-risk surgeries, were guaranteed full attendance to ensure public health safety. They reiterated their commitment to respecting the right to strike at all times, despite the imposed service levels.

Objectives and Aspirations of the TCAE Collective

The primary aim of the TCAE collective is to achieve reclassification from Group C2 to Group C1, which corresponds to the mid-level vocational training required for their profession. María Soledad Ramírez, a spokesperson for the strike committee in the Canary Islands, highlighted a significant legal setback when a court ruling annulled the 2019 opposition call due to the government’s misclassification of the positions as C2. Despite these judicial resolutions, Ramírez expressed disappointment that professional recognition has yet to be realized. She pointed out that the current minimum service classifications still categorize TCAE professionals as nursing auxiliaries, a designation they find outdated and inadequate. Ramírez lamented that they are often tasked with additional responsibilities without receiving the corresponding recognition or compensation in their professional category.

Implications for the Future of TCAE Professionals

The ongoing struggle for reclassification reflects broader issues within the healthcare system in the Canary Islands. As TCAE professionals continue to advocate for their rights, the low participation in the strike raises questions about the effectiveness of such actions in bringing about change. The union’s claims of restrictive service levels and the government’s defense of their policies illustrate a complex relationship between labor rights and public health obligations. The outcome of this dispute may have lasting implications for the TCAE collective and their future within the healthcare framework.

Key points

• The TCAE strike in the Canary Islands had a participation rate of only 4.3%.
• Gran Canaria had the highest participation at 6.2%, while several islands reported no participation.
• The union USO claimed that minimum service levels prevented effective participation in the strike.
• The Ministry of Health denied allegations of excessive minimum service requirements.
• The TCAE collective is seeking reclassification from Group C2 to Group C1.
• A court ruling annulled a previous opposition call due to misclassification of positions.
• Union representatives argue that their roles have evolved without corresponding recognition in their job classification.