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Health have expressed to demand salary improvements and one of the union organizations reported what actions could continue in relation to the blockages.
Health in demonstration on March 31, 2025 in the Plaza de la Constitución. (Free Press Photo: Byron Baiza)
Trade unionists of the health sector have demanded that the Ministry of Health expedite the process for the salary increase and other improvements for the workers of this portfolio.
On Monday, March 31, this sector made At least 19 blockages on Guatemala roads.
At first, the leaders of the demonstrations indicated that these would extend to April 2 and 3; However, the blockades ended after agreements between health authorities and the majority union.
The agreements aim to comply with the provisions of article 140 of the General Budget Law of Revenue and Expenditures of the State for fiscal year 2025, which empowers the Ministry to make budgetary readcations to finance salary increases, incentives and the reclassification of personnel, among other benefits.
Why did they remove the blockages?
After the dialogue, it was agreed that the authorities of the Ministry of Health dialogue only with the majority union. Previously, the meetings were with minority unions, which would have generated discomfort in the face of a supposed lack of dialogue.
In addition, the Ministry of Finance will be present at the meetings, to guarantee the funds for more than 60 thousand health workers.
Monday’s locks lasted about nine hours and affected the mobility of thousands of people nationwide. This Tuesday April 1, blockages are not reported by healthy.
To read more: Blocks cease after salary proposal that does not meet health demands
What is expected for April 2 and 3?
However, leaders of the San Juan de Dios Union said they keep the mobilizations for April 2 and 3.
In a statement on March 30, the aforementioned union said: “Our commitment to the population remains firm, and we continue with our fighting actions without affecting the services that we provide to citizenship. We will not allow the effort of our classmates to be minimized, nor that it is played with the dignity of those who work for the health of all.”