Jusapol gathers in Alicante to demand salary equalization and a dignified retirement from the Government

Efectivos de la National Police y Civil Guard, convened by Jusapol (Police Salary Justice), gathered this Tuesday morning, September 24, in front of the Government sub-delegation in Alicante—and in 29 other cities—in defense of what they believe are just rights; such as salary equalization with regional police forces, recognition of their work as a high-risk profession, and a dignified retirement.

The attendees criticize that all political parties support them privately and when they are out of government, but once they come to power, they forget their promises. The platform will continue its gatherings while proceeding with legal action in defense of what they believe is just.

This is the manifesto that was read during the gathering in front of the Government sub-delegation in Alicante:

"Colleagues, members of the National Police and Civil Guard, friends, family, and citizens who join us today, thank you very much for being here on this important day. We are gathered to raise our voices in defense of our dignity and our rights, rights that have been postponed for too long. Today, more than ever, we must be united to demand what is just: salary equalization, a dignified retirement, and the recognition of our profession as high-risk.

We are here because we are tired of empty promises and half-measures.

The first demand that brings us here today is salary equalization. We all know that the salary gap between members of the National Police and Civil Guard, and their colleagues in regional police forces like the Mossos d'Esquadra or the Ertzaintza, is unacceptable. Today, in Spain, public security agents who perform the same work and risk their lives equally receive much lower salaries.

This cannot continue! It is not fair that for doing the same job, we do not have the same salary.

We do not ask for privileges or special treatment. What we demand is justice. Same job, same salary.

The time for half-measures is over.

The second fundamental point of our demands is a dignified retirement.

For Jusapol it is intolerable that there are first-class and second-class police officers in Spain. The current pay difference favors regional police forces by 20 percent in salary, 61 percent in extra payments, and 45 percent in retirement pensions. Additionally, regional and local police can retire at 59 years old, something currently denied to national police officers and civil guards.

We demand early retirement that does not leave our colleagues stranded. We do not ask for more than what we have given; we ask that our effort and sacrifice be recognized.

Our third major demand is the recognition of our profession as high-risk.

The sacrifice we make cannot be ignored. Every time a colleague falls in the line of duty, we remember how vulnerable our work is. And although this risk is part of our vocation, it is the State's responsibility to recognize it and protect us adequately.

Colleagues, we have come this far by different paths and now it is time to fight together for the same cause.

Our demands are neither excessive nor disproportionate. We ask for what is just, what is necessary to ensure that our work is recognized and valued as it deserves to be.

It is time to act. It is time for the Government to fulfill its duty and make our just claims a reality."