Right on the busiest day of the Fiesta del Rosario in Salobreña, the town found itself with 80% of its Policía Local off sick – the Town Hall was understandably furious.

The Mayor considers that this action is merely a disguised strike action and severely criticises the municipal police for putting the safety of the residents and visitors of the town at risk. He considers the action irresponsible and tantamount to blackmail. Fortunately, the Guardia Civil stepped in and filled the vacuum. Such was the controversial state of things that only one Policía Local patrol car was on duty and the municipal police station closed down on Saturday afternoon… with the town heaving and the fiestas in full swing.

This 80% of the staff relates to ten policemen out of a total of twelve.

There has been a simmering discontent over the new increased working hours, which has been applied to public functionaries all over the country, including teachers, doctors, firemen and policemen. The Salobreña policemen are complaining that the increased hours are not being compensated by higher wagers or more time off; i.e., if you work eight extra hours a week, then you are given one day’s leave extra.

“It’s immoral that public workers; i.e., hired and paid by the public, hold the town to ransom to pressure the Council into giving into their demands, ” said the Mayor.

The Mayor’s comments about the policemen reporting sick as being really a strike action is relevant because to call a strike, notice must be given and minimum services accorded and carried out for it to be legal.

(News: Salobrena, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia)