A healthcare worker in Lanzarote has begun a solo strike to protest what he deems an unfair dismissal by the company he worked for. José Torres, an emergency medical technician, claims that his termination occurred while he was on medical leave.
Torres states in a press release that he possesses evidence to refute the company’s claims and alleges that the true motive for his dismissal stems from workplace retaliation.
The technician recalls that in recent months he had filed a formal complaint for workplace harassment against his superior, as well as a request defending his right to family reconciliation, which went unanswered.
Additionally, he highlights his role in advocating for the rights of emergency medical technicians in the Canary Islands. He actively participated in the initiative that resulted in the approval of a Non-Legislative Motion (PNL) in the regional parliament aimed at the official recognition of this professional category.
According to Torres, these actions culminated in a situation of workplace harassment that led to his dismissal. “I consider myself a disciplined and committed employee, but the company has unjustly terminated my contract, taking advantage of my vulnerable situation during medical leave,” he stated in a publicly released statement.
Protest
The action taken by Torres is a protest intended to highlight not only his personal case but also what he describes as a serious predicament faced by many workers who report irregularities in their workplaces.
The emergency technician is calling for social and media support to demand respect for fundamental rights. “I want this situation to serve to raise awareness in society so that such abuses against employees, who are simply defending their entitlements, do not occur again,” he asserts.
In recent years, the role of emergency medical technicians has gained prominence within both the public and private healthcare systems in the Canary Islands. However, the sector has been calling for improvements in professional recognition and working conditions.
