Spanish military association demands better protections and pay

The Spanish Troop and Seamen Association (ATME) is demanding improved working conditions, legal protections, and salary updates for military personnel. The association has highlighted the increasing role of the Armed Forces in complex scenarios, such as migration crises in Ceuta and natural disaster emergencies, without corresponding increases in security or professional recognition.

ATME recently received a response from the Ministry of Defense regarding inquiries sent in August concerning military personnel deployed in Ceuta. These inquiries sought clarity on legal guarantees, specific operational instructions, and the procedures to follow if personnel face judicial responsibility while performing their duties. The association noted a two-month delay in receiving these answers, which it described as excessive given the impact on personnel safety.

Following an incident in Benzú where four military members were reportedly assaulted, ATME also requested information regarding the health status of the injured and the adequacy of current protection protocols. Beyond immediate security concerns, the association is advocating for the recognition of military service as a high-risk profession, an updated compensation system, and reforms to end temporary contracts within the troop and seamen ranks.