The UGT union has announced a strike by Social Security medical inspectors on April 29 to protest the unsafe working conditions and heavy workloads they bear. These professionals are responsible for determining if employees on extended sick leave should continue or return to work. In Madrid, they have also called for a gathering at the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security headquarters on that day between 12:00 and 14:00.
The Federation of Public Services of UGT explains that recent changes in regulations have led to an increase in the workload for medical inspectors, particularly due to the removal of the Medical Court in disability proceedings. This change has resulted in one medical inspector handling tasks previously addressed by a team of five professionals, creating frustration and vulnerability. This has led to verbal and physical attacks in highly contentious consultations.
Furthermore, there is a lack of staffing to adequately handle the increased workload. Worker representatives estimate that an increase in staff by almost 30% is necessary for quality service delivery. They stress the importance of better personnel planning, equitable distribution of workloads, and task rotations to address ongoing demand.
Apart from safety concerns and heavy workloads, medical inspectors are also demanding fixed salaries with fewer variable supplements, as well as independence from the body that pays the benefits they adjudicate.
The disappearance of medical courts a year ago has caused significant delays in resolving long-term temporary disability cases, prompting several strikes in various regions in the past year.
In conclusion, Social Security medical inspectors are demanding better working conditions and more resources to provide quality service delivery. The union’s strike on April 29 aims to bring attention to their grievances and pressure policymakers into addressing their concerns.