A conflict is escalating between management and staff at Madrid hospitals run by the private corporation Quirónsalud. Despite the company’s impressive earnings—nearly a billion euros annually from contracts with the regional health system—doctors and nurses claim their work is undervalued. They call themselves “slaves” and are demanding fair pay and improved working conditions.
Yesterday, the first in a series of planned protests took place at the main entrance of Hospital de Villalba. Around a hundred staff gathered with placards and slogans, voicing frustration at the policies of the company and regional authorities. They accused Quirón of boosting profits without raising staff wages. The protesters chanted: “We are not slaves, we are healthcare professionals!” and “Healthcare for everyone!”
Pay disparities and working condition gaps
Employees point out that the gap between their salaries and those of their counterparts in public hospitals is becoming increasingly noticeable. According to them, a nurse at an ordinary public clinic earns an average of €2,200 per month, while at Quirón facilities, it’s just €1,400. Doctors face a similar situation: €3,500 versus €2,000, respectively. In addition, working conditions in private hospitals are worse: less extra pay for night shifts and holidays, higher workloads per staff member, and no seniority bonuses.
The problem is especially acute in three hospitals—Villalba, Valdemoro, and Rey Juan Carlos de Móstoles—which operate under a private sector collective agreement. In a fourth institution, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, public sector standards are officially in place, but new staff are offered private-sector terms. This has sparked outrage among employees, who consider it unfair to equate their work with that of small private clinics.
Rising patient numbers fuel suspicions of double standards
In recent years, the number of patients served by these hospitals has risen significantly. For instance, in Villalba, the number of external patients has grown from 7,500 to over 33,000 per year. This is due to long waiting lists for tests and consultations in the region, prompting many to turn to Quirón facilities. For each such patient, the company receives additional payments from the Madrid government.
Distrust of the patient allocation system is growing among locals and staff alike. There are rumors that a separate, fast-track line is being created for ‘external’ patients, while local residents are forced to wait longer. Some patients complain that they are referred to other hospitals for operations, where they suspect the company profits even more.
Company’s response and future protest plans
Quirónsalud management claims that in the past 14 years, staff salaries have increased by 50%, despite rising drug and treatment costs. However, representatives from the Comisiones Obreras (CC OO) union consider these statements exaggerated and are demanding individual agreements similar to those already in effect at other private medical companies.
Employees note that they have repeatedly contacted regional authorities and company management to request a review of their working conditions, but their appeals have gone unanswered. After failed attempts to negotiate, medical staff decided to take more active measures. The next protest is planned at the Rey Juan Carlos hospital, and demonstrations will continue after the New Year holidays in Valdemoro and Fundación Jiménez Díaz.
Public reaction and calls for change
Dissatisfaction is growing not only among staff but also among patients. People are increasingly concerned about the quality and accessibility of medical care. Many believe that the commercialization of healthcare is leading to worse conditions for everyone involved—for both doctors and patients.
Doctors and nurses insist their work deserves fair recognition and that the healthcare system should remain accessible and equitable. For now, despite the company’s billion-euro revenues, employees continue to fight for their rights, hoping their voices will be heard.
