The socialist opposition in the City of Arona, led by José Julián Mena, criticises what he deems a “genuine administrative disarray” in the current local administration. This is illustrated by a recent example involving the termination of medical insurance for officials and staff since February 28, attributed to the failure to renew or initiate a new tender in a timely manner.
The PSOE views this scenario as an “unforgivable oversight” by the current coalition (PP, CC, and the Uoxer of Vox), which leaves municipal workers—encompassing technicians, officials, police, and all other staff of municipal services—feeling “utterly abandoned.” The socialists emphasise that medical insurance is an “indispensable provision that ensures healthcare in instances of work-related accidents, occupational illnesses, and other health concerns. The City Council had a duty to ensure renewal or to process a new tender in advance, which regrettably has not occurred, hence the deputy mayor responsible for Human Resources, Transportation, and Heritage has permitted the City Council to operate without medical insurance.”
The principal opposition group questions whether there have been any issues regarding defaults or contractual disputes related to the terminated insurance. They are also concerned about the potential continuance of the coverage due to any contractual stipulation, as well as what will transpire if a worker requires medical assistance, “who will bear that cost?”.
Potential illegality and invalidity of the contract concerning occupational hazards
According to the Socialists, “The disorder within the Consistory during this administration is alarming,” and it is further evidenced by the approval of an expenditure despite negative reports from technicians and legal advisors regarding the service for the prevention of occupational hazards across various specialties, including industrial hygiene, workplace safety, ergonomics, and psychosociology, as well as health oversight for the consistory and its autonomous entities. This contract commenced on November 23, 2020, while under PSOE governance, and its maximum duration of four years (with two extensions) is set to expire on November 22, 2024. However, the socialists allege that the relevant area mayor made a “reckless and irresponsible” choice to pursue a new extension, even after the hiring division indicated potential illegality on December 2, 2024.
Additionally, the funds intervention issued a declaration of illegality the following day for infringing the Public Sector Contracts Law, yet “the councillor disregarded the legality and directed that the extension proceed without initiating an alternative tender in a timely manner, thus creating an irregular situation.” The PSOE asserts that an accounting liability has occurred due to the improper utilisation of public funds, presenting a tangible risk of the contract being declared invalid and potentially resulting in economic harm to the Consistory, apart from infringing the principle of legality in managing public finances.
Moreover, concerning the fine of €751 imposed on the Consistory for failing to register the working hours of employees hired under the Training and Employment Programme 2023-2024, this opposition group is curious if the others affected will report whether wages have been disbursed without proper verification of hours worked, how the payrolls were calculated without accurate records, if payments were made for hours not worked, or, “what is worse, if they did fulfil their required hours.”
The Canary Islands have awaited the local government’s stance on these matters since February 28.
