Workers from Catalonia's Centre for Initiatives for Reintegration (CIRE) threaten a region-wide strike by next Tuesday, 28 May, if the Generalitat does not grant them the same pay and working conditions as other prison staff. This ultimatum follows two years of what they describe as "sustained discrimination" since the murder of a cook at Mas d'Enric prison.
CIRE employees, who include trainers teaching trades to inmates and prisoners working within facilities, say they have been excluded from salary improvements. These benefits were secured by other prison officials after an agreement between unions and the Justice Department. That deal ended widespread blockades at Catalan prisons following the killing of Núria López by an inmate, who then took his own life.
Unequal Treatment Claims
CIRE workers also criticise the Generalitat for not recognising them as agents of authority. This legal status offers increased protection against aggression. It was extended to surveillance officials, prison directors, and rehabilitation staff, including psychologists, educators, jurists, and social workers. However, it did not apply to CIRE personnel.
The agreement also stipulated new security measures. These measures took much longer to implement in CIRE facilities. This created situations where an inmate could train in welding or cooking but could not then work in that trade within the prison due to their criminal record. CIRE staff are responsible for vocational training and employment programmes for inmates across Catalonia's penitentiary centres.
One worker warned of the potential impact of a strike, stating, "Let's see what happens without a kitchen or commissary." This highlights the critical role CIRE staff play in daily prison operations. Another employee criticised the disparity, saying, "They got the improvements at our expense, and CIRE essential services had to be there during the protests." This refers to CIRE staff continuing to work during the prison blockades after the Mas d'Enric murder.
Ultimatum Issued to Justice Department
Recent assemblies among CIRE workers across Catalonia led to the ultimatum. They will strike if their demands remain unanswered by Tuesday. Workers sent a letter to Justice Minister Ramon Espadaler, Secretary of Penal Measures Elena Pérez, and CIRE Director Daniel Ortiz. The letter describes a "situation of comparative grievance and discrimination."
It highlights the disparity between CIRE employees and officials directly under the Justice Department. Both groups share work environments and have contact with inmates. However, only the latter group received improved labour conditions and enhanced security. CIRE workers also point out that "various CIRE workspaces still require evaluation and the implementation of a response to guarantee risk minimisation."
Negotiations and Departmental Response
Union sources claim they had an agreement with CIRE management. This agreement aimed to ensure CIRE workers received the same economic improvements as other officials. These improvements stemmed from the union agreement nearly two years ago. The Department of Economy reportedly opposes this. Union sources say Economy wants to negotiate the entire collective agreement. This approach could significantly delay the procedure.
Sources from the Justice Department confirmed CIRE management "shares the desire to improve staff conditions and recognises their work within the penitentiary system." They added that the department, CIRE, and the Secretary of Penal Measures, Reintegration, and Victim Support "continue working jointly with Public Administration to find ways to give a quick and effective response to the situation."
The Generalitat faces a critical deadline to address the CIRE workers' demands. Failure to reach an agreement by Tuesday could lead to significant disruption across Catalonia's prison system. This potential strike follows recent labour disputes in education and healthcare, adding pressure on the regional government.
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Originally published by Ara Cat. Read original article.
