The union has criticized the regional government's decision not to include vacancies, despite more than 60 unfilled positions and anticipated retirements. This situation, according to the union, directly affects surveillance, fire prevention, and the protection of Madrid's ecosystem.
“"As of today, we should have 453 positions, according to an agreement already signed with the administration in 2021."
Currently, the forest agent corps barely exceeds 230 personnel, a figure lower than that of 2007. This shortage is compounded by the application of a reduction coefficient approved by the central government, which will allow many agents to retire early due to the dangerous nature of their work.
“"Not creating new positions for us is a clear indication that there is no commitment to having forest agents in the field monitoring and protecting nature."
Although 90 agents are currently in training and will soon join the service, the CSIF insists that this does not solve the staffing problem, as these additions are already accounted for in existing vacancies. Concern intensifies with the arrival of warmer weather and the start of the forest campaign, where prevention and early detection are crucial.
Forest agents also carry out rescues of injured or protected wildlife, species control, environmental surveillance, and interventions in preserved areas. The reduction in personnel has led to many of these services not being adequately addressed. For example, in District 8 of the Southeast Regional Park, the staff has decreased from 19 to 11 agents, with two additional retirements planned for May.
Given this scenario, the assembly of forest agents affiliated with the CSIF has called for a protest rally in the first weeks of May in front of the regional government, seeking to highlight the critical situation and demand a new labor agreement and a public employment offer that strengthens the workforce.
For its part, the Community of Madrid asserts that the forest agent workforce will be significantly reinforced. They assure that 90 new personnel will join in July, increasing the staff to 360 professionals. Furthermore, the regional Executive plans a new call for 2027 with 96 forest agent positions and nine for unit chiefs, which, according to their estimates, would represent a "historic reinforcement" to reach 465 professionals.
