Catalan firefighters protest in Barcelona for better working conditions

Hundreds of firefighters employed by the Catalan government demonstrated in Barcelona on Friday, demanding improved working conditions and more resources to help prepare the department for further emergency challenges. 

Protesters gathered in front of the Catalan government headquarters building in Plaça Sant Jaume and planned a march to the Department of the Interior. 

Their demands include better management of pollutants, adequate resources and the recovery of lost purchasing power.

Joan Vidal of the CGT union said firefighters want to recover their purchasing power, but that the protest extends beyond pay to include "more training, a real support structure, pollutant management and genuine efforts to bring more women into the department."