The Catalan government and the Mossos d'Esquadra have agreed on a significant salary increase and additional vacation hours, marking the largest increase in over three decades.
The Catalan regional government, known as the Govern, and the Mossos d'Esquadra police force have reached a groundbreaking agreement that will see officers receive an annual salary increase of 4,000 euros gross. This agreement marks the largest salary increment for the police force since 1989 and is part of a broader effort to enhance the overall working conditions for police officers in Catalonia. Additionally, the deal also provides for an increase in vacation hours for almost all personnel in the force, making it an important development for work-life balance among the officers.
The agreement was reached after more than twenty negotiation meetings involving the main police unions, SAP-FEPOL and SME-FEPOL, among others. The Catalan Department of Interior and Public Security emphasized that this agreement will not only improve salaries but will also create a 'new reference framework' for labor conditions, which is expected to bring further structural improvements. While specific measures are still vague, the focus is on enhancing work conditions, emphasizing the importance of improving the quality of life for those serving in the police force.
This development emerges at a time when labor conditions across various sectors are under scrutiny, and public sector employees increasingly advocate for better pay and benefits. The salary increase for the Mossos represents a significant acknowledgment of the demands for better compensation in light of the challenges faced by law enforcement. As Catalonia continues to navigate its unique political and social landscape, this agreement may also reflect broader trends in public service reforms throughout the region.
