Aragon forest firefighters begin indefinite strike

Forest firefighters from SARGA, a public company under the Government of Aragon, began an indefinite strike on August 18. The strike is supported by major unions including OSTA, CGT, CCOO, and UGT. Workers claim the wildfire prevention and extinction operation (Infoar) is “structurally undersized” and cite inadequate working conditions, excessive hours, lack of rest, and insufficient wages given the high risks involved.

Protests have spread across numerous towns in Aragon, including Calatayud, Monzón, and Graus. While the strike is active, minimum services have been set at 100%, ensuring that all fires and emergencies will continue to be attended to normally.

The Communist Party of Spain (PCE) in Aragon has expressed solidarity with the strikers, criticizing the regional government for underfunding fire prevention services. The PCE noted that increasing climate change impacts, such as extreme heat and lack of rainfall, necessitate stronger resources to combat growing wildfire threats.