The Ordizia Town Hall has expressed significant concern regarding the service at the San José residence, particularly following numerous complaints received since the last contract award in November. Representatives from the four municipal groups met with Maite Peña, Gipuzkoa Provincial Council's Deputy for Care and Social Policies, to gather information on changes since the management was transferred to Kabia, an autonomous body.
The council stated that the number of places offered at the residence has decreased over the years. It previously had 72 places before the pandemic, was adapted to 58, and currently offers 31 for the elderly, 18 for individuals with mental health issues, and 9 respite places for caregivers. Mayor Adur Ezenarro indicated they will not accept the historical provision of places being halved, especially if these decisions were made without local consensus.
The Town Hall calls for a more balanced distribution of residential resources across Gipuzkoa, questioning why Ordizia should bear such a significant burden. They also conveyed to the deputy their concern about the loss of direct control by Kabia over the center following the change in the awarded company.
In recent months, complaints have been received concerning the deterioration of the kitchen and dining service quality, doubts about therapeutic diet monitoring, reduced heating use during winter, and the general impact of cost-saving decisions on care quality. The possibility of reduced care ratios is also a concern.
“"Ordizia cannot accept that the provision of residential places for the elderly that the municipality has historically had has been reduced by almost half, and even less so when these decisions have been made without consultation with the town."
In the meeting earlier this month, they were informed that the company Zaintzen-Clece committed to maintaining the current care ratios in Ordizia, which are higher than the legal minimums. The Town Hall received with "surprise and deep concern" the dismissal on June 11 of a worker with a decade of service, to whom they express their support.
The workers' representation believes the dismissal might be intended to reduce care hour ratios. "The quality of the care model that San José has characterized for years has been based on people: residents, their families, and also their professionals. We find it very serious to lose professionals with the aim of reducing care ratios," the mayor emphasized.
Therefore, they request the Gipuzkoa Provincial Council to conduct an "exhaustive investigation" into Zaintzen-Clece's current actions to clarify the complaints and study, if applicable, the possibilities for contract termination. They also demand that the current care ratios be maintained, ensuring the continuity of all necessary professionals, including the recently dismissed worker.
Furthermore, the Municipal Government expressed its support for the workers on strike since January and joins the mobilizations called by the staff. This Wednesday, a demonstration will take place from the town hall at 6:00 PM, convened by the ELA union section at the San José residence, and calls for public participation.
