Spain's Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz activates wildfire worker protection

Yolanda Díaz, Spain's second vice‑president and Minister of Labour and Social Economy, announced that the Ministry has activated all labour‑protection mechanisms for employees affected by recent forest fires. Workers who cannot reach their workplace, families evacuated or whose homes are damaged are entitled to up to four days of paid leave, with additional coverage for loss of transport or housing until stable accommodation is secured.

Employers can apply the temporary employment regulation (ERTE) for force‑majeure and must establish crisis committees and 24‑hour contact points as stipulated in the November 2024 royal decree that followed the deadly Valencia flood. Díaz emphasized that the priority is health and safety, stating, "Spain has always risen united against fire, and this time will be no different."