The Works Council of the City of Madrid has demanded urgent measures in response to the threats and assaults suffered by workers at municipal swimming pools and sports facilities since the beginning of summer.
The Works Council of the City of Madrid has focused on the safety of municipal swimming pools. In a statement, they denounce that workers have been experiencing "threats, disrespect, and assaults" since the summer season began. This situation has led the labour representation body to demand that the government team take "urgent" measures to curb this escalation of violence.
According to the Council, the incidents are not isolated cases. Various sports facilities in the city have recorded "repeated violations" of usage rules, conflicts with users, uncivil behaviour, consumption of alcohol or substances in unauthorised areas, and episodes of verbal and even physical violence against staff. Workers, they report, are forced to intervene to ensure order "without sufficient support resources."
Stress and fear among the staff
The situation is taking a toll on the employees' work health. The Council warns that "cases of stress," "anxiety," and "fear of going to work" are being detected. They believe these issues "cannot be normalised or treated as a series of isolated incidents," but require an "urgent, preventive, organisational, and effective" response from the City Council, the General Directorate of Sport, and the municipal district boards.
Among the measures they are demanding, there is a notable call for increased surveillance and security at swimming pools and sports facilities, especially in those with a history of conflict or high user attendance during the summer. They also request that the Occupational Risk Prevention Service conduct a specific assessment of the risks arising from exposure to external violence, and that the protocols for dealing with problematic users be reviewed, coordinating intervention with the police.
The City Council condemns the assaults
In response to the complaint, the City Council of Madrid has expressed its "absolute condemnation" of any threats or assaults against municipal workers. Municipal sources have assured that efforts are being made to strengthen surveillance and security at municipal swimming pools, and that police patrols will be intensified at facilities where these episodes occur.
For the Madrid resident visiting the municipal swimming pools, this news may generate some concern. Will there be more police presence? Will access rules change? For now, the City Council has not specified timelines or additional measures, but the Works Council expects a "structural" response that guarantees the safety of workers and, in turn, that of the users themselves. In the meantime, lifeguards and facility staff will continue to be on duty, hoping that the next dip does not end in a confrontation.
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