Santa Cruz de Tenerife Home Help Reforms Spark Union Protests Over Job Security
Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s planned shift to a dual-model home help service has triggered union protests over potential job losses, lack of consultation, and ongoing financial disputes with the current contractor.
Changes to the Home Help Service (SAD) in Santa Cruz de Tenerife have sparked job insecurity and tension between staff and the local government. The City Council’s Department of Social Policies is preparing to vote on a new service model, a move that has caused significant unrest among care assistants.
The controversy centers on a new "dual system" set to begin in mid-May. Under this plan, those receiving care can choose between the current model—where the city manages the contract with a service provider—or a new Social Assistance Economic Benefit (PEAS). This second option provides beneficiaries with 16,000 euros per year, at a rate of 22 euros per hour, allowing them to pay a provider of their choice directly.
Unions representing the staff—USO, Comisiones Obreras, and Intersindical Canaria—claim the City Council has failed to consult them. They fear that if users begin choosing their own providers, the workload for the 300 employees at the current contractor, Atende, will drop, leading to potential layoffs. The unions also warn that the 1,400 current users and those on the waiting list have not been properly informed that these new benefits must be declared to the tax authorities.
This situation is complicated by ongoing financial disputes. The City Council owes the current contractor 9 million euros. While 6 million has recently been paid, the remaining 3 million in debt continues to threaten the staff's job stability.
Beyond these concerns, there is a disagreement over job descriptions. The works council is fighting against the inclusion of cleaning duties in their roles, arguing that they are trained as socio-sanitary professionals. This issue is currently being reviewed by the courts and the Ombudsman.
To address these concerns, staff representatives have scheduled a meeting with the company for May 14 to clarify how the new model will affect their jobs and the future of the service.