Striking firefighters in Madrid halt their duties indefinitely, fueled by a dispute over their wages. The pay dispute flares up, leading to a return of the open-ended strike.

Madrid Forest Firefighters Resume Indefinite Strike Over Work Conditions and Pay

Madrid's forest firefighters have resumed an indefinite strike on Monday, August 25, as they continue to press for improvements in their working conditions and pay. The workers, employed by Tragsa, a state-owned firm under Spain's SEPI holding, have been vocal about their grievances, which include frozen pay since 2010, precarious rostering, dilapidated bases and equipment, and outdated rules.

The strike, which was initially called on July 15 and paused for ten days due to wildfires in Spain, is causing concern among regional officials. They argue that bringing staff under the national Tragsa agreement would speed improvements and have received praise from several national ministers. However, the unions have stated that these offers are not enough to address their concerns.

The regional government proposed renewing Tragsa's mandate for prevention, surveillance, and support to the Madrid Fire Service beyond its December expiry on August 22. Additionally, the regional Environment department suggested allowing staff to adhere to Tragsa's national BRIF collective agreement, which covers reinforcement brigades working for the Ecological Transition Ministry, as a legal shortcut.

However, the unions maintain that Madrid's terrain and workload are unique and require a custom solution, not a generic one. They are demanding the application of Law 5/2024 in Madrid and an update to the sector agreement last revised in 2008. The workers are also demanding a written roadmap that includes year-round contracts starting before 2026, a pay update with risk and hardship supplements, and investment for infrastructure and equipment upgrades.

The dispute over who can negotiate what remains unresolved, with each side pointing fingers at the other while the workers wait. Prolonged unrest risks depleting the workforce's experience ahead of autumn wind events and the early-spring burn window. Climate-driven seasons are becoming longer, hotter, and more erratic, requiring firefighters to perform various tasks beyond just wildfire control.

Essential cover will remain high, with professional units from the Madrid Fire Service leading wildfire responses during the strike. The minimum coverage of 80% will remain to ensure public safety during the strike. Unless commitments are made on Thursday regarding 12-month jobs, updated pay, and safer bases, Madrid's wildfire specialists will continue to apply pressure. Tragsa, the regional government, and the committee will meet again on Thursday, August 28.

The new assignment, due to begin in 2026, would increase annual funding by €4 million, bringing it to more than €32 million, and extend contracts to 12 months a year. However, the unions argue that this is not enough and are calling for immediate action to address their concerns. The strike is expected to continue until a resolution is reached.