The Court of First Instance 1 in Santander has ruled that three local police officers are entitled to compensation for their mandatory service on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. This decision comes after the city council, led by mayor Gema Igual, denied the officers their rights under the municipal employees' agreement.
The ruling stipulates that the officers, who are part of the Special Schedule Section (SOHE), should receive either two days off or financial compensation for their work on 24 and 31 December 2024. The court also condemned the city council to pay the associated legal costs.
“For CCOO, this judicial resolution is a wake-up call to the city council regarding its treatment of workers, particularly the local police. It is regrettable that we must resort to the courts for rights already enshrined in municipal agreements,” said Raúl Rivera, CCOO delegate at the Santander City Council.
Rivera further criticised the mayor for failing to uphold agreements and prioritising the rights and working conditions of city employees. He emphasised the importance of negotiation and dialogue, particularly for local police who ensure public safety while most citizens celebrate the holidays with family and friends.
The relationship between the Santander City Council and the local police has become increasingly strained in recent months. Officers have repeatedly expressed concerns over stagnant progress on their various labour demands and the lack of negotiations. The council's silence has led to a withdrawal from overtime work, as officers await a dialogue that has yet to materialise, resulting in a critical situation.
This ruling, like others we have won with similar claims, shows that the council's strategy is to judicialise everything, even knowing they will lose. This is costing the people of Santander money and is eroding the patience of workers who feel their rights are being disrespected,” Rivera concluded.
