Santa Cruz Police Union Demands Extra Pay for Papal Visit Security Duty
The CSIF union has requested additional compensation for Santa Cruz de Tenerife police officers who worked during the recent visit of Pope Leo XIV, citing demanding conditions and irregular hours.
The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council is facing renewed scrutiny over how it handles security for major events. The CSIF union has formally asked the Department of Human Resources to provide extra compensation for Local Police officers who worked during Pope Leo XIV’s recent visit to the city.
Union representative Jesús Illada submitted the request to councilwoman Purificación Dávila, citing the difficult working conditions officers faced. The union argues that the scale of the security operation forced officers to work irregular hours, remain on constant call, and sacrifice their personal time. They also pointed out the disparity between the officers working on the ground and other municipal staff who were either inactive or working remotely during the visit.
This request is part of an ongoing debate over how the local government awards productivity bonuses. Under current rules, these bonuses are intended for exceptional performance or tasks that go beyond standard job duties. The Human Resources department has acknowledged receiving the proposal but has not yet decided if it is financially or administratively feasible. The outcome of this request is significant, as it will set a precedent for how the City Council compensates essential staff during high-profile international events.