Murcia forest firefighters threaten strike ahead of peak fire season

Union representatives say daily three-hour walkouts could begin later this month after talks with the regional government failed to produce a breakthrough

The labour dispute involving Murcia's forest firefighters has entered a critical stage just as the Region prepares for the most demanding part of the summer wildfire season.

Representatives of the wildfire crews have warned that a partial strike at the end of June is becoming increasingly likely after weeks of negotiations with the regional government failed to deliver any meaningful progress.

Sources involved in the talks say the latest meeting with the regional authorities ended without any concrete proposals to break the deadlock. As a result, the workers' committee is now formally considering three-hour daily walkouts between 4:00pm and 7:00pm on 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 June.

The proposed action comes at a particularly sensitive time. Murcia has already experienced two serious wildfires this month, despite summer having only just begun, raising concerns about what could lie ahead as temperatures continue to climb and vegetation becomes increasingly dry.

Union representatives have stressed that minimum emergency cover would remain in place throughout any strike action, given the essential nature of the service.

The Forest Fire Defence Units (UDIF) say their intention is not to put public safety or the natural environment at risk. Instead, they want to draw attention to long-running concerns over working conditions and resources that staff say have gone unresolved for months.

Alongside the planned protests, workers are continuing efforts to reach an agreement. A series of meetings with officials is due to take place in the coming days, including talks with the Government Delegate in the Region of Murcia, Francisco Lucas.

However, union representatives warn that unless the regional government presents a firm, funded proposal soon, strike action at the start of the summer campaign will be difficult to avoid.

The timing is likely to increase pressure on both sides to reach an agreement. June has already seen firefighters called to major wildfires, one in Los Garres and the other on the banks of the Segura River, and the period of highest wildfire risk is still weeks away. With hotter weather forecast throughout the summer, crews are warning that the service cannot afford to enter its busiest season with unresolved staffing and workplace issues.

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