The Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, announced this Friday a "pre-agreement" with the union representatives of the capital's Municipal Police for the renewal of the workers' contract. This agreement comes after months of protests by officers, who had even refused to participate in special operations such as the Pope's visit or the Marathon.
Martínez-Almeida emphasized that the final approval of the contract is subject to a vote by the unions among their members. "It has been a complex negotiation, but it has been a negotiation in which both parties wanted to reach an agreement," stated the mayor, who expressed his gratitude to the Force and the citizens of Madrid, calling the pre-agreement "good news."
“"It has been a complex negotiation, but it has been a negotiation in which both parties wanted to reach an agreement."
The mayor's announcement came shortly after the spokesperson for Más Madrid in the City Council, Rita Maestre, highlighted the demands of the police unions, who claim that the service is "understaffed" and that overtime is required to cover special services. Almeida responded to Maestre, suggesting that perhaps she did not consider this news positive, although it is "generally for all" Madrid residents.
For their part, the PSOE spokesperson in the City Council, Reyes Maroto, agreed with Maestre on the need to reach an agreement for a new contract that addresses the "legitimate demands" of the municipal agents.
Maroto also took the opportunity to recall the central government's "will" to withdraw the replacement rate, a measure imposed by the Partido Popular and one of the City Council's main demands to strengthen the Municipal Police force. Mayor Almeida downplayed these statements, noting that the key announcement would be the effective withdrawal of this rate by Pedro Sánchez's Executive, rather than just its intention.
“"Announcements the Government of Spain, we are all aware that it makes many, of which it fulfills none."
Almeida added that if the central government finally lifts the measure, he would be "the first to applaud the Government."
