Dozens of geriatric workers in Barcelona gathered this Thursday in Sant Jaume square to denounce the lack of staff and material in residences, in a protest called by the CGT. The mobilization brought together professionals from public and private centers, who demanded changes in management and more involvement from social services and the Generalitat.
The protesters warned that elderly people entering nursing homes increasingly present a higher degree of dependency and, therefore, need more intense direct care. In that context, they maintain that current staff do not cover the real needs of users.
Demand for more resources and staff reinforcement
Among the main demands, the workers asked for more resources to be able to carry out their work in adequate conditions. They cited the lack of gloves, diapers, hygiene products, and cranes, in addition to demanding that there be nursing staff on all shifts.
They also demanded that occupational risk protocols be respected and denounced that the ratios between patients and workers are below what is necessary. In their opinion, this situation affects both the care of residents and the health of the staff themselves.
"In the eyes of the inspectors everything is perfect, but what is really experienced inside is precarity with a lack of material and personnel" - Milton Jairo, demonstrator
Complaints about precarity and union pressure
Caregivers also put the focus on salary conditions. They assured that salaries do not adjust to the cost of living and linked that precariousness to a constant workload. Professionals maintain that patient-worker ratios are insufficient to attend to the current profile of residents.
During the protest, several attendees stated that when they transfer these complaints to companies or to the competent authorities, they suffer reprisals. Among the complaints presented are alleged unjustified dismissals and changes of duties without argued criteria, situations they attribute to union persecution.
"We raise our voice, but then we are persecuted, there is repression, sanctions and we are dismissed" - Milton Jairo, protester
The workers also assured that union delegates and members suffer psychosocial harassment by the companies. In this context, they demanded a review of how the centers are being managed and greater supervision from the administration.
"We care for people, but we also need to be cared for to avoid taking sick leave" - Orlando Cardenal, worker at a residence
The concentration in the center of Barcelona served to make visible an unease that, according to the participants, extends through a good part of the sector. The protest was held in Sant Jaume square with a common message from the workers, who ask for more resources, more staff, and labor guarantees to be able to care for the elderly in dignified conditions.