The Directorate General of Youth, under the Ministry of Family, Youth and Social Affairs of the Government of the Community of Madrid, has expressed its intention to privatize the region's network of youth hostels. This network includes emblematic centers such as Los Batanes, Las Dehesas, El Escorial, and Villa Castora, in addition to other services affiliated with the Directorate General.

The UGT Public Services Madrid union has voiced its strong opposition to this measure, citing a lack of solid economic justifications. According to the union organization, privatization could lead to an increase in costs for public funds, due to the need to tender for external management and the potential relocation of current staff within the regional administration.

From UGT's perspective, this strategy appears to stem more from a "political decision" or a lack of personnel management by those in charge of Youth, who would opt to delegate the task to a private company without considering the budgetary impact on taxpayers.

The union has expressed particular concern regarding the continuity of social programs currently run in these centers, many of which are designed for individuals with a high degree of disability. UGT notes that, to date, no official information has been provided about the future of these social activities following the change in management model.

In light of this situation, UGT has formally requested the Ministry to immediately halt the process, deeming it unjustified. Furthermore, it has demanded measures against the person responsible for the Directorate General of Youth.

The union has warned that if its demands are not met, it will initiate mobilization actions against the privatization of the Youth Hostel Network and will explore all legal and administrative avenues available to preserve the public nature of the service.