The negotiations date back to May 15, when the Health Department and the unions signed a preliminary agreement that led to the cancellation of regional strikes called in previous months. The pact established a four-month negotiation period with the strike committee to examine the main demands of doctors in Aragón.
Issues still hindering an agreement include the pay for on-call shifts and the development of professional careers. Sanz has acknowledged that both are the most “critical” points because of their “economic impact,” although he noted that progress is “easier” on other matters.
One of the unions’ main demands is the introduction of level four in the professional career system. Doctors’ representatives argue that Aragón still does not have this level and believe that this situation makes the region less competitive when it comes to attracting and retaining physicians compared with other territories where higher levels do exist. This is compounded by the demand for higher on-call pay. CesmAragón is calling for an increase in these payments and maintains that the region is among the territories where doctors’ on-call hours are paid the least.
Although issues remain unresolved, the health minister has expressed “optimism” about the outcome of the talks. Sanz said dialogue with doctors’ representatives has been “very cordial” and expressed confidence that the next meetings will help bring the positions closer before the deadline set in the preliminary agreement expires.
