Call for Transparency in Firefighter Overtime Allocation in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

In a pressing appeal to address the disparities in the allocation of overtime hours among firefighters, David Suárez, the spokesperson for Coalición Canaria (CC) in the Ayuntamiento de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, has demanded a more transparent and predictable system. This call comes on the heels of a damning report by the Unión Sindical de Policías y Bomberos (USPB) that highlights significant irregularities in the distribution of these hours.

The Current State of Overtime Allocation

The USPB has denounced the arbitrary manner in which overtime hours are assigned, pointing out that a small number of firefighters have accumulated an disproportionate amount of extra hours. One commanding officer, for instance, has reportedly worked over 1,114 hours of overtime in the first six months of the year, amounting to an extraordinary payment of 35,000 euros. This stark contrast is evident when compared to the majority of the firefighting personnel, who have only managed to work between 100 and 300 overtime hours during the same period.

Concerns and Consequences

Suárez emphasized the need for a clear and transparent protocol to prevent any form of arbitrariness in the allocation of overtime hours. He noted that the current system not only generates discontent among firefighters but also reflects a deeper issue of understaffing within the Servicio de Extinción de Incendios y Salvamento (SEIS). The lack of adequate personnel forces firefighters to work extensive overtime, leading to a significant financial burden on the municipality. Currently, the municipal debt for unpaid overtime hours to firefighters exceeds 750,000 euros.

Impact on Firefighting Services

The spokesperson for CC highlighted that the root cause of this issue is the insufficient staffing levels, a problem that also affects the Policía Local. This understaffing has led to delays in the payment of overtime hours, which in turn jeopardizes critical services such as the security arrangements for events like the Binter Night Run.

Political Implications

Suárez criticized the current administration for its inability to improve the working conditions and staffing levels of the firefighting and police services. He questioned the recent decision by the mayor to assign additional responsibilities, such as the area of Culture, to Josué Iñiguez, suggesting that this could further detract from addressing the pressing issues within the security sector.

The Way Forward

To rectify the situation, Suárez proposed the implementation of a transparent and predictable system for allocating overtime hours. This would involve publishing a clear protocol that ensures fairness and accessibility for all firefighters, preventing the concentration of extra hours among a select few. By addressing the underlying issues of understaffing and inefficient resource management, the municipality can work towards providing better working conditions for its firefighters and ensuring the continued effectiveness of its emergency services.

As the debate continues, the focus remains on the need for a more equitable and transparent system to manage overtime hours, ultimately benefiting both the firefighters and the community they serve.