Collective Bargaining, Health and Safety, Precarious employment, Pay settlements, Embassy and household staff, Firefighters, Economic Policy
Union wins 10-year campaign on workplace cancers affecting firefighters
The FOA trade union has welcomed the decision of the labour market insurance body to recognise that there is sufficient evidence of a causal link between firefighting and two types of cancer: bladder cancer and mesothelioma. The first is linked to exposure to soot and related chemicals (PAHs) and the second linked to exposure to asbestos. This means that firefighters affected by the two serious illnesses will be able to have them recognised as occupational injuries. FOA is not only pleased that its 10-year campaign has led to the change of practice but it also means that previously rejected
EPSU puts firefighters' concerns at the heart of European debate
On September 7th, 2023, EPSU met with the European Commission's Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) to discuss the pressing need for improved coordination of joint firefighting operations.
Pay deals for overseas and veterinary staff
The FSC-CCOO and UGT-SP federations have confirmed that workers in embassies and other overseas missions will get a 2.5% pay increase backdated to 1 January 2023, in line with the main framework agreement covering public administration. They have also secured a guarantee to negotiate a new salary revision later in the year, in the event of an increase for other public administration staff. The two unions have reaffirmed the validity of the 1990 Agreement and the demand to ensure an annual salary review that that obliges the administration to negotiate a periodic increase in pay taking into
Working conditions of firefighters high in the EU Parliament agenda
Heat waves and flooding are hitting Europe once more this summer and firefighters and emergency services are and will have to face the climate crisis in a context of chronical staff shortages and poor working conditions.
Asbestos agreement a step forward for firefighters, emergency services and waste workers but more and better legislation is needed
EPSU welcomes the deal that lowers the Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) to either 10,000 fibres/m3 including thin fibres or 2,000 fibres/m3 excluding thin fibres and includes a review clause for further lowering by 2028.
Firefighters demand action as heatwaves and droughts threaten to overwhelm Europe’s fire services
In the midst of a heatwave and droughts across Europe, firefighters from fifteen countries representing unions affiliated to the European Public Service Unions (EPSU) came together in Stockholm.
Stop Cancer at Work welcomes new EU guidelines and list of hazardous medicinal products, but more needs to be done to protect workers
Employers, workers and Member States need to work together to raise awareness, enhance best practice and implement the guidelines and list of hazardous drugs in the workplace.