Madrid, Spain – Forest firefighters from the Community of Madrid gathered on April 9 to protest outside Tragsa’s headquarters. They demanded better working conditions and an end to years of neglect by the public company.

The group, assigned to Tragsa, denounced the “unsustainable” employment situation. They called for a new collective bargaining agreement, expired since 2012, to reduce temporary jobs and improve risk assessments.

Jesús Molina, a Works Council member, highlighted the outdated 2008 agreement. He earns just 1,253 euros monthly, an amount he says is insufficient to live decently in Madrid today.

Tragsa stated the agreement is sector-specific and applies only to Madrid’s forest firefighters. The company claims it can only negotiate its own terms, not sector-wide deals.

Temporary employment affects 40 percent of the workforce, with many working just four months yearly. This insecurity drives trained firefighters to other sectors, wasting resources.

The protesters also demanded an occupational risk plan targeting carcinogens from smoke exposure. Molina noted the Labor Inspectorate has already warned Tragsa about this issue.

They further called for recognition of their professional roles and implementation of Law 5/2024. “We protect citizens and the environment. We deserve dignity,” Molina said.

The demonstration aimed to force a meeting with Tragsa’s president, Jesús Casas Grande. It followed failed talks with the Madrid 112 Emergency Agency.

A video from April 9 shows the protest’s scale. The firefighters vow to fight “to the last consequences” for their rights.

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