The protest, called by Comisiones Obreras (CCOO), aims to denounce the “deficient conditions” under which they operate, governed by an agreement over three decades old that does not adequately cover their activity. This labor framework is considered “obsolete and insufficient” for a “high-risk” job.
One of the main grievances of the collective is the insular Corporation's failure to comply with Law 5/2024 on Forest Firefighters, a state-level regulation. The non-application of this standard has prevented the recognition of their professional category and the implementation of measures such as early retirement, even though some colleagues should already be retired by law.
There are colleagues who should already be retired by law and are still working.
Furthermore, firefighters are required to contribute as such, even retroactively, without receiving the corresponding benefits or recognition. CCOO has also highlighted the absence of specific risk prevention protocols and adequate resources, despite their constant exposure to toxic substances in urban-forest interface fires.
The collective also reports delays in the payment of on-call hours, which amount to about 700 additional hours per year. These hours are “poorly remunerated and with delays of up to two years,” resulting in earnings of approximately 1,500 euros annually with “constant delays.” Added to this are the shortage of human and material resources, the precariousness of temporary contracts, and the urgent need to review remuneration, especially for interventions outside the island.
