"The Ministry of Health made a commitment to address those situations, which are still pending regarding the accounting of points, by the end of February. It has not fulfilled its commitment," the SEP stated in a note.

This means that the "discrimination against nurses" compared to other professional groups is maintained, the union emphasised, adding that this "delay in the political decision" is preventing "fair career progression."

With the strike scheduled for the morning and afternoon shifts, the SEP intends to demand the resolution of all situations arising from the accounting of career points, including the payment of retroactive amounts, as well as the hiring of more nurses, warning that the "constraints imposed by the Government" will have consequences for the safety of patients and professionals.

The union also demands, among other measures, the counting of service time under precarious employment contracts and the opening of competitive examinations for access to the specialist nurse, nurse manager, and management positions.

Another objective of the strike is to negotiate a performance evaluation system appropriate to the specificities of the nursing profession, focused on the practice of care and without quotas.

In addition, the SEP demands negotiation on forms of compensation for risk and hardship, which includes changing the criteria for retirement, and that the Government withdraws the proposed amendment to the labour law, considering that it harms "rights and imposes on workers almost total availability" for the needs of companies, including the state-owned business sector.

The SEP also wants the strengthening of the National Health Service, warning that it is "absolutely mandatory" for the Ministry of Health to hire the necessary professionals.