(Brussels, 23 September, 2009) 43 participants from 18 countries took part in the EPSU firefighters’ network meeting on 23 September.
The network discussed how they could influence EU standards regarding equipment used by firefighters. In particular, they examined ways that development of this equipment can take into account workers’ experience and knowledge. This discussion was facilitated by Stefano Boy of the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI). Mr. Boy focused on the EU standardization process. Please download his presentation here.
For more info on the European Trade Union Institute please go here
The network also looked at the work of the European Commission’s Civil Protection Unit and the growing emphasis given in the EU to preventing and responding to natural and manmade disasters. An exchange was held with Roman Birvon from the Civil Protection Unit on EU activities.
The firefighters’ network would, in particular, like to see the Commission propose a Directive on forest fires.
To outline the particular challenges faced in the region, a guide-vademecum for firefighters of the Mediterranean area was presented. The Guide is part of a project within the network led by Franco Moretti from Fp-CGIL Italy and involves firefighters’ unions in Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Malta and Greece See http://www.hssfmed,eu
The EPSU General Secretary, Carola Fischbach-Pyttel also updated the network on priorities following the EPSU Congress last June, and policy officer Richard Pond briefed members on collective bargaining developments.
The network also agreed to establish a small expert group on standardization and a taskforce to support exchanges and contacts within the network and to prepare the next meeting in 2010.
Brief report of the EPSU Firefighters’ Network Meeting, 11 March 2010
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