The controversy surrounding the Ministry of Labor cafeteria
The Ministry of Labor cafeteria has been in the eye of the hurricane in recent months. In April, it was revealed that 68,000 euros had been spent on churros, porras and industrial pastries for a breakfast for the workers, who are the only ones with access to this establishment. However, the price at which the products were sold was not disclosed.
Recently, the Ministry’s cafeteria, directed by Yolanda Díaz, has once again generated controversy after the publication in the BOE of a tender notice for the entity’s ‘cafeteria and self-service dining room service’. The public contract has an approximate value of 446,281 euros and establishes that the duration of the service will be two years, with the possibility of a five-year extension. In addition, it is specified that prices must be lower than the maximums and minimums established by the SEPE.
Unusually low prices
The most surprising thing about this tender is the maximum prices established, which are considerably below market prices. For example, the tender establishes that portions of fresh shrimp or Iberian ham will be sold at 6.5 euros each, a glass of Valdepeñas wine at 0.90 cents, and Rioja, fine wine or a beer for 1 euro. . Even the Russian salad will cost 2 euros and a plate of anchovies will cost 4 euros. Sandwiches, coffees, beer and biscuits will have very low maximum prices, which has generated astonishment in public opinion.
Contract conditions and required personnel
In addition to the prices, the contract establishes that the SEPE will grant the successful bidder a compensatory remuneration of 9,000 euros per month, regardless of the prices of the products and services. The winning company must also provide personnel, including a team leader-waitress, a cook, a clerk at the bar and a full-time service and cleaning assistant. Likewise, a ‘fixed discontinuous bar clerk from September to June’ will be required. The hours of service provision will be Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the self-service dining room open from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.