Granadilla de Abona Police Overtime Strike Sparks Public Safety Crisis
Granadilla de Abona faces a public safety crisis as local police refuse overtime work due to an 18-year-old collective bargaining agreement, leading to security gaps at major events and growing neighborhood insecurity.
Administrative gridlock at the Granadilla de Abona City Council has triggered a public safety crisis, now clearly affecting the management of local events. According to the Socialist Group, the Local Police have refused to work overtime since mid-May. This is a protest against the council’s failure to update working conditions, which have not been revised in eighteen years.
The dispute centers on a stalled collective bargaining agreement. Socialist spokesperson Jennifer Miranda noted that the deal was nearly finished during the previous term. Because the current pay structure dates back to 2006, officers are effectively paid less for overtime than for their regular shifts, leaving them with little incentive to take on extra hours.
This staffing shortage has already impacted recent festivities. The lack of officers at major events, such as the San Antonio pilgrimage and various concerts, has exposed significant gaps in security. This issue also affects routine night patrols, fueling growing frustration in neighborhoods like Atogo, Los Abrigos, El Médano, and San Isidro, where residents have voiced concerns about rising insecurity.
The situation in Granadilla de Abona highlights the challenges of managing local government staff when labor agreements fail to keep pace with modern needs. Without an updated contract, the council is struggling to provide basic services and manage extraordinary events. The municipal government is now under pressure to find an urgent political solution to restart negotiations and restore a full police presence on the streets.