Protection of Valencian forest firefighters in light of Spain’s failure to transpose Directive 1999/70/EC
16.4.2024
Question for written answer E-001126/2024/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 138
Esther Sanz Selva (The Left), Idoia Villanueva Ruiz (The Left), Patricia Caro Maya (The Left)
For many years, forest firefighters have been waiting in vain for Directive 1999/70/EC to be transposed in Spain. Until it is transposed, 290 jobs hang in the balance, leaving our forests unprotected.
On 22 February 2024, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that the concept of a ‘non-permanent contract of indefinite duration’ is temporary in nature and does not penalise abuse of temporary employment relationships. The Court recommends that these workers be given permanent status because they meet a structural and permanent need.
In the case of forest firefighters, this both infringes the workers’ rights and leaves our forests vulnerable – precisely when they are most at risk from fires as a result of drought and high temperatures – putting further strain on an already precarious sector.
In view of this:
- 1.How will the Commission ensure that the Spanish Government and the Autonomous Government of Valencia transpose Directive 1999/70/EC?
- 2.When will the Commission be able to ensure that Spain puts an end to its abuse of temporary government contracts, especially for forest firefighting teams, who are so crucial in the climate emergency?
Submitted:16.4.2024