Private security workers initiated a coordinated action in response to the disruptions linked to the sectoral agreement, aligning with the broader wave of demonstrations that have rippled across the country. In Alicante, a large turnout gathered in Plaza de la Montañeta for a rally organized by the unions CC OO, UGT, and USO. The crowd voiced firm opposition to recent cuts that affect working conditions and pressed for fair wage adjustments that reflect the rising cost of living and ongoing inflation pressures impacting the sector. The gathering highlighted a common demand for a stable framework that can guide pay, benefits, and protections across private security firms, ensuring that workers feel valued and financially secure as market uncertainties persist in the months ahead.
Union leaders estimate that roughly 5,000 workers across the province are directly involved in the dispute, urging a substantial salary increase. They are pushing for a 16 percent raise spread over four years, arguing that such an adjustment is necessary to restore real income and purchasing power amid persistent economic volatility. Employers have presented a 9 percent increase over three years, proposing a slower pace of wage growth. The unions emphasize that a long-term collective agreement should anchor wage progression with built-in guarantees, addressing inflation and ensuring that workers do not see their living standards eroded over time. The tone of the discussions reflects a belief that stable compensation is essential for morale and retention within security teams that perform critical public and private safety functions across the region.
Beyond salaries, the unions drew attention to broader concerns about workers’ entitlements and the quality of employment conditions. They claim some companies have reduced protections for injured workers, frozen seniority advances, or eliminated established benefit days. Such measures, they argue, weaken job security and dilute long-standing benefits that many relied upon during periods of economic stress. The central point is that fair treatment across the board strengthens the sector’s reputation and sustains a skilled workforce capable of delivering reliable security services in a challenging environment. These concerns tie directly to the ability of employees to plan for the future, maintain motivation, and uphold high standards of performance even when industry pressures rise. The discussions underscore the importance of predictable schedules, adequate rest, and access to wellness resources that help protect the health and well-being of frontline staff who confront demanding shifts and potential risks daily.
There is also critique directed at the role of public administrations in contracting practices that favor lower costs. In several cases, workers affected by these arrangements have faced irregular payment cycles or delays, which exposes gaps in governance and oversight. The unions stress the need for transparent contracting processes and consistent enforcement of collective terms to shield workers from financial instability. The broader message is that wage fairness and predictable compensation are not isolated issues but foundational elements that support a stable, compliant, and high-quality security workforce capable of meeting public expectations for safety and reliability, regardless of economic fluctuations or policy shifts. The discussions point to the value of robust training programs, clear career progression paths, and ongoing dialogue between employers, unions, and government bodies to maintain industry standards and protect the social contract that underpins essential security services across the region.