The Municipal Institute for Social Assistance (IMAS) intends to increase its workforce, currently around 180, to provide improved support for the 3,000 vulnerable families in the area. This was disclosed yesterday by the Councillor for Social Action, Charín González, who emphasised that “only this year approximately 30 individuals have been stabilised. Furthermore, in the new job list (RPT), which was negotiated with the unions until the end of December, we have requested additional positions through an employment initiative spanning several years.”
González made these comments following a statement from Intersindical Canaria (IC), which labelled the social care services provided by the Council as “unsustainable” in meeting the requirements and demands of citizens. They attributed the problems to “the dire state facing IMAS staff, which is causing delays in procedures, files, and vital actions for the most at-risk individuals.” IC also mentioned that “all avenues to improve the system have been exhausted” and called for the “removal of the general director, Pilar Rodríguez, the disbandment of the agency; and the cessation of the covert privatisation of the home aid service (SAD).” They believe that “the unaddressed shortcomings are significant, ranging from the municipal block needing to adapt the RPT to the service to the imposition of a new ineffective work structure, coupled with a shortage of staff.” The Councillor for Social Affairs clarified that “we held biweekly meetings during November and December, responding to requests from the unions to negotiate the new RPT. These meetings encompassed contributions aimed at reorganising the structure, which also includes new roles, albeit we are still working with the existing personnel. Additionally, the IMAS strategic plan is in progress to ensure that agreements are fulfilled while continuing to assist anyone in need.”
Moreover, the CCOO, IC and Use unions, which are part of the company Committee in the Capital, have scheduled a gathering for 28 February at 9 am, outside the City Council, to advocate for a “fair distribution” of cleaning hours carried out by workers in households. “The company assigns cleaning services of 3 to 4 hours on the same day, and we request that these hours be spread throughout the week.”
