Concerns Arise Over New Labor Initiatives in Betancuria
Intersindical Canaria Voices Alarm
Intersindical Canaria has recently raised significant concerns regarding the Betancuria Town Hall’s announcement to initiate discussions with the union SEPCA. They aim to review several critical labor aspects, including the Relationship of Positions of Work (RPT), telecommuting policies, harassment protocols, and the update of the collective bargaining agreement. This development, according to Intersindical, represents a potential infringement on labor rights and existing plenary agreements.
A Legal Contradiction
The union emphasizes that the RPT was formally approved in June 2024 with overwhelming support from the Town Hall, following a carefully negotiated process that included Intersindical, Comisiones Obreras, and active employee participation. All necessary legal procedures and favorable technical and legal reports were adhered to during this approval, reinforcing its legitimacy.
In this context, Intersindical deems the current push for a review of the RPT as an “arbitrary maneuver.” They argue that asserting the need for revisions directly contradicts existing laws and the valid plenary agreement. The situation is further complicated as the RPT is currently the subject of an investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office, making any parallel actions, as Intersindical argues, even more inappropriate.
Allegations Against Key Figures
Intersindical has expressed particular concern over the actions of Betancuria’s Mayor, Enrique Cerdeña Méndez, and the Secretary-Interventor, Elena Puchalt Ruíz. They accuse both of “attempting to annul democratic agreements” without obtaining necessary motivational reports or prior consensus from the unions involved. This perceived breach of trust reflects a disregard for workers’ rights, contradicting recommendations from the Consultative Council.
Scrutiny of SEPCA’s Role
In light of the developments, Intersindical has also voiced alarm over the proposal to establish a new negotiation space with SEPCA to revisit the already approved RPT. They assert that this initiative lacks technical, legal, or labor justification. The union perceives the town hall’s call for “modernization” as a mere façade to undermine prior agreements without adequate reasoning.
Discrepancies in Telework Practices
Intersindical labels the current practices regarding teleworking within the Ayuntamiento as problematic. They note that while telework has been informally recognized, its implementation has been inconsistent and without clear guidelines. The mayor’s discretionary approach to granting telework options raises eyebrows, as it undermines principles of equality and fairness, countering the narrative of modernization.
Inaction on Harassment Protocol
Furthermore, issues surrounding workplace harassment have come to the forefront. Intersindical highlights that a workplace harassment protocol, activated by staff over 18 months ago, remains stagnant, with no investigations being conducted into complaints made against the mayor and the secretary-interventor. The organization criticizes the announcement of a new protocol, dismissing it as merely superficial.
A Pledge to Protect Workers’ Rights
Intersindical insists on the necessity for the Ayuntamiento to uphold existing plenary agreements and act within legal boundaries to ensure labor stability and enforce workers’ rights. The union firmly declares, “We will not allow modernity to be used as an excuse to overturn democratic agreements, nor will we accept manipulation of completed labor processes.”
The union has pledged to remain vigilant against any attempts to diminish workers’ rights—not only in Betancuria but across all public institutions in Fuerteventura and the broader Archipelago.
Allegations Against SEPCA’s Conduct
Additionally, Intersindical accuses SEPCA of colluding with certain political parties in actions that undermine labor rights, benefiting particular interests over the collective welfare of employees. This charge adds another layer of complexity to the unfolding situation, indicating that the stakes involved are not merely institutional but politically charged as well.
The dynamics in Betancuria exemplify growing tensions between labor rights advocacy and administrative actions, raising important questions about the future of worker representation and agreement integrity in public service sectors.
