The union organizations representing the Local Police in San Fernando, SPLI, UPBLA, and SIP-An, have released a joint statement warning of a "progressive dismantling" of the force. This situation, which they describe as "intolerable," is attributed to "negligent, absent, and deeply irresponsible municipal management" by the San Fernando City Council.
San Fernando cannot afford the scenario created by those in power. After years of neglect, the workforce is increasingly depleted, aging, and overworked, without resources, recognition, or institutional support. The reality is so evident that the phrase most repeated among those who have served this city for decades is devastating: "They are destroying the Local Police." And it is not an exaggeration: it is the result of sustained political decisions over time that have led the force to a chaotic situation.
The unions point out that the workforce is being demanded to do more work with fewer resources, while fundamental rights are denied. This situation has created an "unacceptable inequality" compared to other public employees and has led to a failure to address job adaptations for psychophysical impairments in an increasingly aging force.
Among the criticisms, it is highlighted that the San Fernando City Council prioritizes spending on "events" instead of investing in safety improvements, which, according to the unions, contributes to "chaos in the safety of the officers themselves." Furthermore, they denounce the "unacceptable state" of the police headquarters' facilities, with serious safety deficiencies, lack of air conditioning, sanitary problems, unmaintained changing rooms, and dependencies that do not meet dignified working conditions.
Likewise, the unions state that vacations and rest periods are being restricted, violating the Basic Statute of Public Employees and the 2007 Improvement Agreement, which severely affects work-life balance. They also criticize the concentration of productivity bonuses among management, generating inequality and frustration among the rest of the staff. They accuse the City Council of repeatedly violating Law 6/2023 of Local Police of Andalusia regarding second activity, with proposals that economically penalize officers after decades of service.
The union groups regret that political priorities focus on "events and propaganda," neglecting public safety and severely deteriorating service to citizens. In response to this situation, the unions have announced a new protest on April 24 before the municipal Plenary, in defense of public employees' rights and for a "dignified, safe, and respected" Local Police.
