Firefighters
EPSU salutes courageous firefighters on International Firefighters’ Day
On International Firefighters’ Day, EPSU shares its solidarity with past firefighters who have died while serving our communities and who dedicated their lives to protecting the safety of us all; to their families, colleagues and comrades.
New agreement for firefighters
The Fp-Cgil, FNS-Cisl and Confsal trade unions have negotiated a new three-year agreement covering firefighters that they have welcomed for delivering a number of benefits for workers. The unions note in particular improvements to the systems of labour relations and action on protecting employment. Alongside pay increases there will be improvements to supplementary pensions and insurance. The three federations argue that the agreement (actually covering the period 2019-2021) is a major step forward and marks successful co-operation with the government. Monthly pay rates will increase by
Has the EU forgotten about firefighters and emergency services?
As part of the European Green Deal, the European Commission launched in February 2021 a new strategy on adaptation to climate change. The objective is to make the European Union a climate-resilient society, fully adapted to climate change by 2050.
EMPL Committee of the European Parliament votes to limit the Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL)
WE MADE IT! On Monday morning the EMPL Committee of the European Parliament has voted to limit the Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) which determines the number of asbestos fibres per m3 air allowed in workplaces without dedicated protection measures.
Union calls for more firefighters and better conditions
With forest fires and flooding posing increasing demands on the fire service, the Fp Cgil public service union has called for employee numbers to be increased to 40000. The union argues that the current complement of 35000 is inadequate with many firefighters working double shifts, longer hours and more overtime. Fp Cgil says that excessive workloads leave workers no time for training and is worried that in the next negotiations the fire service will actually push for longer hours rather than address the staffing shortage. The union says that recruitment is crucial to reduce the average age
Agreement in municipal sector while firefighters plan strike
The SKVNS trade union has signed a new collective agreement in the municipal sector that will deliver a 5% pay increase, reimbursement of travel-to-work costs on public transport, 100% allowance for work on holidays and extra time off for parents. Meanwhile the SPGS firefighters’ union is planning a 48-hour strike on 30 June in protest at the government’s failure to engage in any proper social dialogue over a period of more than 14 months. The union wants to negotiate a collective agreement but also wants a guarantee that the government will also implement existing commitments.
New OSH strategy should aim to mainstream OSH, be less gender blind and be based on lessons learnt from the pandemic
EPSU representative Adam Rogalewski participated in a dedicated hearing organised by the European Commission with the social partners on the New Occupational Safety and Health Strategic Framework 2021-2027.