Volunteer firefighters protested in Barcelona on 28 May 2026, calling on the Catalan government to recognise them as workers and give them access to social security and occupational risk prevention. The group, Bombers Precaris en Lluita, says the Interior Department does not treat them as employees.
The protesters say that means they cannot contribute to their pensions or access the early retirement coefficients available to recognised firefighters because of the risks of the job. They also say they lack basic workplace accident prevention measures in a high-risk role, as Catalonia heads towards a potentially difficult forest fire season after spring rain and rising temperatures.
Around 50 firefighters cycled from the Interior Department to the National Social Security Institute, INSS, headquarters on Sant Antoni Maria Claret street in Barcelona. The demonstration was backed by Riders X Derechos and used the slogan, “Cotització és la nostra protecció; volem cotitzar” and “Tots els bombers som treballadors”.
Daniel Sitjà, president of Bombers Precaris, compared their situation with gig economy workers. He said Glovo and Uber Eats had been required to provide social security registration, and argued the Generalitat would have to do the same sooner or later, either by choice or through a court ruling. Josep Maria Alcalà, president of Asbovoca and a member of Bombers Precaris, said contribution is a right for all workers and should be respected by a public administration with labour inspection powers.
Núria Soto, speaking for Riders X Derechos, said volunteer firefighters face the same kind of precariousness as riders. She pointed to the use of an app, the non-recognition of availability as working time, and the lack of social coverage, which she said shows a wider trend towards “uberisation”.
Despite their complaints, the volunteer firefighters say they remain committed to the upcoming forest fire campaign to protect public and territorial safety. They also say any accident they suffer while working should be recognised as a workplace accident.
Support for the campaign has grown across Catalonia, with 33 municipal endorsements in six weeks, through 18 motions, one county council agreement and backing from all 15 mayors in Pallars Sobirà. The supporting municipalities are spread across 12 counties in Catalonia’s four provinces. For more Catalonia-wide reporting, see our news coverage.
Among the towns backing the campaign are Sant Climent Sescebes, Gelida, Sallent, Viladecans and Preixens. All municipalities in Pallars Sobirà, along with the county council, have also shown support, including Alins, Alt Àneu, Baix Pallars, Espot, Esterri d'Àneu, Esterri de Cardós, Farrera, La Guingueta d'Àneu, Lladorre, Llavorsí, Rialp, Soriguera, Sort, Tírvia and Vall de Cardós. Other supporting areas include Montoliu de Segarra, Breda, Maçanet de la Selva, Riells i Viabrea, Sant Hilari Sacalm, Torà, Batea, Pinell de Brai, Terrassa, l'Ametlla del Vallès, Campins, La Garriga and Sant Esteve Palautordera.
The social court in Sabadell has declared itself competent to hear the case after first seeking views from all parties. Sabadell was the only court where the jurisdiction question was still open, while seven other lawsuits had already been admitted for processing and trial dates set. The Tortosa case has asked for individualised submissions, but has not challenged its own competence.
