The demand by volunteer firefighters in Catalunya for recognition of their employment relationship with the Generalitat is gaining traction, with support from seventy-seven municipalities in twenty-one counties. This institutional backing comes shortly before the first collective lawsuits are set to begin, scheduled from September through summer 2027, following claims filed against the current model.
The association Bombers Precaris en Lluita (Precarious Firefighters on Strike) has spearheaded these motions, urging the Department of the Interior to ensure effective Social Security and healthcare coverage, recognition of work-related accidents and occupational diseases, and the implementation of occupational risk prevention. The approved texts emphasize that volunteer firefighters are "integral firefighters," undertaking the same risks and tasks as permanent staff, yet they denounce a "deeply precarious" situation and "disguised professionalization."
Support comes from municipalities in diverse counties such as Alt Empordà, Pallars Sobirà, Noguera, Solsonès, Terra Alta, Baix Ebre, Ribera d’Ebre, Vallès Oriental, Vallès Occidental, and Baix Llobregat. Many of these, small and medium-sized, rely on their volunteer fire stations. Cities like Terrassa, Viladecans, and Molins de Rei have also joined. A total of eighteen municipalities with their own stations or within their direct influence have offered support, alongside others with professional fire departments.
The cause of the volunteer firefighters enjoys broad political consensus, including from the PSC, the party leading the Department of the Interior. At least thirty motions have been approved unanimously. While many municipalities are governed by ERC or local candidacies, there are also mayoralties from Junts, the PSC, and the CUP, among others. The PSC's support is notable, as some socialist mayors have distanced themselves from the central government's stance.
The current situation is under scrutiny following a class-action lawsuit filed by over four hundred volunteer firefighters. They argue that despite the "volunteer" designation, they perform activities that, according to their legal defense, meet all the characteristics of an employment relationship, particularly since 2020, undertaking the same duties, access requirements, and risks as permanent firefighters without the corresponding labor rights. They denounce "disguised professionalization" and "legal fraud" by the Generalitat.
Key demands include recognition of the employment relationship, access to Social Security, treatment of service accidents as work-related injuries, recognition of occupational diseases, and effective application of occupational risk prevention regulations. The group likens their situation to that of a "gig economy worker" or "bomber rider," demanding basic labor rights associated with their responsibilities.
