Ceuta soldiers protest lack of clarity on migrant crisis compensation

Spanish soldiers stationed in the North African enclave of Ceuta are voicing their discontent over the handling of compensation and leave during the ongoing migrant crisis. The soldiers, who have seen their leave permits canceled and are working extended hours, are particularly concerned about the lack of written confirmation regarding their compensation for extra duties.

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We are performing long working hours since the beginning of the crisis, and we were verbally informed that the compensation would be in the form of a grant ranging between 200 and 250 euros for additional services and two rest days.

According to reports, soldiers have been informed verbally that they will receive a bonus of between €200 and €250, along with two rest days, for their additional service since July 30. However, they are demanding that the Ministry of Defense provide official, written clarification on these terms. They argue that compensation for extra services cannot be a fixed amount and should be calculated based on the actual hours worked, referencing Royal Decree 1314/2005 which governs the pay system for armed forces personnel.

The situation has also impacted soldiers who had already planned and booked their vacations. The cancellation of leave permits has forced them to alter or cancel their travel arrangements, leading to potential financial losses on flights and hotels. These soldiers are seeking clarification on how these incurred expenses will be addressed.

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The compensation for additional services cannot be determined by a fixed amount.

The Ministry of Defense had previously announced the cancellation of leave permits for soldiers in Ceuta until further notice, in anticipation of potential mass border incursions on August 15. This measure, along with the deployment of frigates and increased military and police presence, is a response to calls circulating on social media for renewed attempts to cross the border. The ministry stated that canceled leave days would be rescheduled, but soldiers are demanding clear, written confirmation of all terms to avoid relying solely on verbal assurances.

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We demand that the Ministry of Defense clarify the matter officially and specify how the additional services rendered during this period will be calculated and compensated.