Strike Proceeds Amid National Pause
Metges de Catalunya is maintaining its call for an indefinite doctors' strike starting October 28, even though medical unions across the rest of Spain have suspended their own strike action. The national postponement follows Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's announcement of general elections on November 29, which dissolves Congress and halts legislative processes, including reforms to the Framework Statute for health workers. The Spanish strike committee, comprising the Confederation of Medical Unions (CESM), the Medical Union of Euskadi (SME), and the Andalusian Medical Union (SMA), confirmed the suspension on October 7, stating that with no functioning government able to negotiate, continuing industrial action would be ineffective. However, they stressed this does not mean abandoning their core demands.
Catalan Self-Governance Argument
In contrast, Metges de Catalunya argues that healthcare is a devolved competency under Catalan self-government, meaning the regional Department of Health remains fully operational despite the national caretaker administration. In a statement, the union said the Catalan government "can and must" address doctors' grievances independently of the state-level political deadlock. Their demands include tackling chronic healthcare overload, excessive working hours, and the ongoing shortage of medical staff. They also reiterate calls for a specific statute tailored to physicians, better professional classification, and reforms to on-call duties and retirement conditions.
The mobilisations in Catalonia were never solely about the Framework Statute. We have long-standing structural issues that require immediate action from the Generalitat," said a spokesperson for Metges de Catalunya.
Ongoing Industrial Campaign
Since June, Catalan doctors have participated in the "Not one minute more" campaign, refusing to work any overtime beyond their contracted hours. Over the past year, they have carried out twelve strike days in escalating pressure tactics. If no agreement is reached with the Catalan health authorities, the indefinite strike will commence on Monday, October 28 at 00:00. This would mean doctors withdraw all non-urgent care and emergency coverage beyond legal working limits, potentially disrupting hospital services across Catalonia. Patients are advised to monitor official updates via the Department of Health website for service changes ahead of the potential walkout.
Primary sources: lamoncloa.gob.es. Reported by 3cat.cat, democrata.es, theolivepress.es, todoalicante.es, abc.es, 3CatInfo, beteve.cat, straitstimes.com, elperiodico.cat, 3CatInfo Barcelona.
