Administrative assistants claim a change in professional category before the Canary Islands Health Service

The group of administrative assistants of the Canarian Health Service (SCS) makes public its demand for "labor justice and professional recognition," requesting reclassification to move from subgroup C2, in which they are currently included, to Subgroup C1, based on the "real" evolution of the functions they perform in the Canarian public health system.

The petition of the Alliance for Administrative Reclassification Platform has been formally submitted to political parties with representation in the Canary Islands, to trade union organizations, as well as to the Minister of Health of the Government of Spain, Mónica García, in addition to the Minister of Health of the Government of the Canary Islands, Esther Monzón, with the aim of opening "a process of analysis, dialogue, and regulatory updating" that allows adapting professional classification to the current reality of the service.

Thus, they have publicly defended that administrative assistants constitute "a fundamental piece in the daily functioning of hospitals, health centers, and central services" of the SCS. Their functions have evolved significantly, currently encompassing tasks of high complexity and responsibility, among which stand out:

• Management of surgical waiting lists and consultations.
• Scheduling of interventions and diagnostic tests.
• Coordination of medical agendas and care activity.
• Processing and validation of coverage in Health Card.
• Processing of personnel files and payrolls.
• Economic, logistical, and health documentation management.
• Direct patient care in complex processes.

The group represented by Raquel Hernández, coordinator on the island of Lanzarote of the Alliance for Administrative Reclassification Platform, maintains that these functions "clearly exceed the tasks originally" associated with Subgroup C2, approaching responsibilities typical of higher levels within the Public Administration.

The reclassification request is based on article 76 of the Basic Statute of Public Employees (EBEP), which establishes the need to adapt professional classification to the real complexity and qualification required in job positions.

Likewise, it is emphasized that the digital transformation of the health system has substantially increased the technical complexity of administrative work,

incorporating management tools and systems that require greater training, autonomy, and responsibility.

In this regard, the representative of the Platform Alliance for Administrative Reclassification (ARA) of the Canarian Health Service, Raquel Hernández, points out that this demand responds to a consolidated professional reality in the health centers of the Canary Islands. "Administrative assistants have been assuming essential functions for the operation of the health system for years, with levels of responsibility and specialization that fully justify an update of their professional classification," she states. 

Requests from assistants

The Platform Alliance for Administrative Reclassification of the Canarian Health Service requests: 

• The opening of technical and legal studies for the reclassification of the group to Subgroup C1. 
• The creation of a working group with the competent administrations, with representation of the affected professionals. 
• The involvement of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Health of the Canary Islands in a joint analysis at the state level. 
• The adaptation of the professional career system, guaranteeing the recognition of experience, seniority and continuity of rights. 

Likewise, the support of unions with representation in the Canary Islands and political parties is demanded, in order to advance in a fair and consensual solution. 

The group reports that since last June 3, weekly concentrations have been held every Wednesday at the doors of the Canarian Health Service centers throughout the Canary Islands. These mobilizations will continue indefinitely until their demand is met. 

The Platform Alliance for Administrative Reclassification of the Canarian Health Service reaffirms its willingness to maintain dialogue with public administrations, trade union organizations and political groups to reach a solution that adequately recognizes the functions performed by this group. 

The administrative assistants of the Canarian Health Service insist that it is not a demand for privileges, but for labor justice and professional recognition. As Raquel Hernández, representative of the Platform, concludes, "professional classification must reflect in a real and updated way the work we perform daily to guarantee the correct functioning of public health in the Canary Islands."