Problems at ITV Stations Across the Valencian Community
Collapse at ITV resulted in an explosion of concerns as workers protested in the Valencian Community, demanding safer working conditions and guaranteed quality public service. At major stations, appointment wait times exceed two months, highlighting systemic strain within the network.
CCOO and UGT organized a rally from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. to press the Valencian Government for the January payments promised to staff. The dispute centers on salary homogenization and an agreement with Sitval, the company currently managing vehicle technical inspection services for a year. Activists argue that workers deserve timely pay and stable contracts, not short term fixes.
Mobilizations are scheduled in the provincial capital at the Conselleria headquarters on February 20, located at Plaza Gabriel Miró 7. Additional concentrations in Valencia are planned from this Friday through February 21, signaling broad concern across the region.
Core Problems
Until recently, the ITV network in the Valencian Community operated under a public model after the Generalitat withdrew support at the end of February 2023. The central issue, as highlighted by the Workers’ Commissions, is the lack of essential equipment at several stations and the ongoing need for skilled staff. Hiring processes for public entities face more constraints than private companies, complicating staffing goals. Union sources add that Sitval inherited a large pool of temporary workers and found a shortage of permanent staff, leaving many employees without long term job security and contributing to irregular service levels.
CCOO further notes that before the transition, stations typically boosted staffing during peak seasons with overtime to handle increased demand during Christmas and summer periods. The current staffing gaps disrupt routine operations and erode public confidence in the ITV network.
Evidence from the field shows queues forming at dawn in Alicante as people seek access to ITV services. The union has acknowledged that Sitval submitted a new job board proposal, but it has not been released yet because it must pass minimum checks that are not required for private firms. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Industry is reportedly working on personnel recruitment strategies to reinforce the five lines in the five municipalities of the province, alongside temporary reinforcements previously arranged in June but not extended to the Christmas period.
Staff Reduction
Mechanical workshops, the ITV network’s most frequent clients, report noticeable staff reductions. A Valencia area workshop explained that in some lines three people previously handled inspections, and now one worker bears the full load. The same workshop noted that it has curtailed visits to the city ITV station for months, turning to facilities in Murcia where capacity remains higher. This trend underscores the broader strain on the system and the need for stable staffing to maintain service quality.
The public discussion continues as unions press for concrete improvements. They emphasize reliable equipment, adequate staffing, and dependable contracts as essential for restoring confidence in the ITV network. Industry observers point to the potential for improved efficiency if additional permanent hiring is matched with investments in necessary technology and maintenance. The debate remains focused on balancing public responsibility with the realities of managing a modern vehicle inspection framework.
As demonstrations unfold, the public image of the ITV services depends on visible steps toward staffing stability, equipment upgrades, and transparent communication from Sitval and the regional authorities. The overarching concern is delivering consistent, safe, and accessible vehicle inspections across the Valencian Community, ensuring motorists receive trustworthy service without unnecessary delays.