Spain: Education and health unions to strike and protest in Madrid on May 26

Event

Teachers and medical personnel represented by several education and health unions, including Trade Union Confederation of Workers' Commissions (CC.OO.), General Union of Workers (UGT), Spanish Trade Union of Nursing Professionals (SATSE), and CSIT Union Profesional, plan to strike and protest in Madrid on May 26. The purpose of the action is to protest several issues, including work conditions and weekly work hours, in both sectors. The planned strike entails work stoppages at Madrid Health Service (SERMAS) medical facilities and schools; approximately 78,000 participants are expected. Several demonstrations are also scheduled, although plans for some remain unclear; the events may draw very large crowds. Organizers have announced plans for the following protests:

• 12:00: Ministry of Health

• 13:00: Ministry of Education

Unless averted, the labor action will almost certainly impact medical services at SERMAS clinics and hospitals. Lingering healthcare service disruptions are possible through May 27. Authorities are likely to deploy additional security in the vicinity of the protest sites. Local police will close some roads to facilitate the events, causing localized transport disruption. While the events are likely to pass off peacefully, minor skirmishes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Confirm medical appointments. Contact healthcare facilities in advance for information about wait times, which could vary among hospitals and clinics. Avoid all protests as a precaution. Plan for possible localized transport disruptions. Seek alternative routes to circumvent gathering locations. Heed instructions from authorities.