Spain: Healthcare workers continue national campaign of strikes and protests through mid-February /update 1

Event

Healthcare unions are continuing a national campaign of strikes and protests through mid February, in support of increased government investment in the health sector. The campaign will continue to impact various healthcare specializations in different regions on separate dates: as of Feb. 9, a strike is planned in the Navarre region for Feb. 15.

A demonstration is planned for central Madrid on Feb. 12. Attendees will gather in four separate locations, Nuevos Ministerios, Plaza de Espana, La Princesa University Hospital, and Legazpi. At 12:00, protesters will march in separate columns towards the Plaza de Cibeles. Previous similar events in November and January attracted tens of thousands of participants.

Interruptions to healthcare staffing will likely prompt delays and cancellations of appointments and other healthcare services. Security personnel will likely deploy to monitor and manage the demonstrations. Striking healthcare workers may protest outside hospitals and other government buildings. Protests are likely to pass off peacefully. Additional strike action across Spain is likely in the coming weeks.

Advice

Confirm all healthcare appointments. Allow extra time if seeking healthcare provisions. Avoid protest sites to mitigate delays. Heed the directives of local officials.