This police force says that it only became aware of the intention of the firefighters through social media, after they adapted dynamic policing and cut traffic according to the movement of hundreds of men and women. The PSP also condemns the use of pyrotechnic devices, saying they endanger the safety of agents, journalists and othre citizens caught on public roads. For all this, a complaint will be filed with the Public ProsecutorS Office.
Hundreds of firefighters from around the country gathered again in Lisbon next Tuesday, as a protest against the incorporation of the risk allowance and the valuation of their careers. A number of firecrackers exploded near the Government headquarters and torches were set off by professionals, in a procession that broke a police cordon near the Campus XXI building. After the declaration that the negotiations would not resume for security reasons,the crowd erupted again,with another burst of firecrackers and shouts of order.
What do these men and women demand? At the heart of the debate between the unions and the Government is the review of professional status of these firefighters. Along with the incorporation of the risk allowance, the unions also ask that the profession be considered as one of recklessness, a new specific evaluation system for cleaners, among other measures that aim to improve careers. An alleged inaction of more than two decades has been involved in dispelling the protests.
“After 22 years of no career change or advancement, the national Association of professional Firefighters and the National Union of Professional Firefighters and Professional Firefighters (ANBP/SNBP) have the legitimacy to engage in other, more intense forms of struggle “, could be read i.May in a newspaper text”High Risk“, firefighter associations publish for professionals in the sector.
Spirits lifted
“They keep making fun of us and making fun of you who are inside. We stayed silent for 22 years. We make a little noise and Carmo and Trindade fall? Don’t make fun of us.” With his face covered, one of the firefighters present at the presentation was angry when it was announced that the negotiations had failed.
During the morning, ther were moments of tension between police and firefighters, after protesters broke the security cordon near the old building of Caixa geral de Depósitos (CGD), now Campus XXI, where the meeting between the unions and the Government in progress.
Firefighters tried to approach one of the building’s doors, and the police intervened to reinforce the situation. For security reasons, these negotiations were interrupted. Firefighters called off the protests, but the meeting would not resume.
Gathered near the Government headquarters, the firefighters shout together: “Sappers”. Rockets and firecrackers continue to be launched, and also horns blowing. A large group has gathered at the entrance to the building, responsible for the sounds of the protest: they were already sitting, linking their arms in a chain, to refuse to demobilize. but other groups of firefighters standing or sitting nearby are talking and discussing their professional conditions.
Miguel Ribeiro, from the Coimbra firefighters, says the purpose is a career review. “We were getting forgotten. Some professions were reviewed and ours was not taken into account”, he says. Actually, the review has been “postponed by successive governments”.
“Our career review has not been done for about 22 years”, says the firefighter from Coimbra. Even in the face of inflation, no salary adjustments have been made to these professionals, which shows that they continue to receive the national minimum wage and do not receive risk allowance, which is already granted to other forces.
This Tuesday’s protest follows another initiative that took place on November 25. Firefighters protesting this morning say they need more and will keep fighting.
so far, the Government’s response is “not even close to what we wanted or what we think is fair”, the firefighters argue.But, remember, the negotiations continue, and so do the efforts of this professional group to meet their demands.
On the street, none of the people who pass by are indifferent. “There were many strikes,protests,from everyone. And it is not the fault of the professionals, it is really becuase the Government is not responding”, says Andreia Soares, who goes to the street on her way to work.
“At home, I only heard the rockets.I think it is a justified fight, because these professionals are forgotten, but they are essential in our society “, insists Marco Caldeira.
Others are more careful: this is the case of Paola,a Spanish student in the ERASMUS program. Also lives nearby, he asks what is going on. “Better not stay here to long – I don’t like loud noises”,he shouted,continuing along the path.
News update at 4:56 pm: additional PSP statement
How is public support influencing the negotiations between firefighters and the government?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Firefighter Union Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our special segment on public safety matters. Today, we are joined by Dr. Miguel Ferreira, an expert on labor relations and fire safety, who will provide insights on the ongoing protests by firefighters in Lisbon. Dr. Ferreira, can you give us a brief overview of what motivated this recent presentation?
Dr. Miguel Ferreira: Thank you for having me. The recent protests were fueled by long-standing grievances from firefighters regarding their working conditions, particularly the incorporation of risk allowances into their salaries and the overall valuation of their careers. For over 22 years, these professionals have seen little progress in terms of salary increases or career advancements. This sense of stagnation has substantially contributed to their growing frustrations.
Time.news Editor: It’s concerning to hear about their struggles.what specific changes are the firefighters demanding from the government?
Dr. Ferreira: Their demands are quite multifaceted. The unions are advocating for the incorporation of a risk allowance, which recognizes the dangers firefighters face daily. They also want the profession to be classified as one of recklessness, which would acknowledge the high-risk nature of their work. Additionally, they are calling for the establishment of a new evaluation system for their profession, which could help facilitate promotions and professional development.
Time.news Editor: Given the intensity of the protests, what has been the response from law enforcement, particularly the PSP?
Dr.Ferreira: The PSP has expressed their concerns about the use of pyrotechnics during these protests, emphasizing the potential dangers to both the firefighters and the surrounding public. their assertion is that they only became aware of the protest plans through social media,which prompted them to adapt their policing strategies accordingly. Moreover, the PSP plans to file a complaint with the Public Prosecutor’s Office due to the risk these demonstrations pose.
Time.news Editor: It’s striking to see how social media plays a role in these movements. How significant do you think public support is for the firefighters’ cause?
Dr. Ferreira: Public support can be critically influential. The fact that firefighters are risking their safety to protest indicates the urgency of their demands. If citizens empathize with their situation, it can apply pressure on the government to respond more favorably. Moreover, the public’s recognition of the essential roles firefighters play in society can help foster solidarity and support for their cause.
Time.news Editor: and moving forward, how do you envision the resolution to these protests?
Dr. Ferreira: Ideally, we would see negotiations resume between the government and the unions at the table. There must be an acknowledgment of the firefighters’ needs, and practical steps should be taken towards a resolution. This includes addressing their demands for hazard pay and formal career acknowledgment. ultimately, both sides must work towards a compromise that honors the service firefighters provide and ensures their safety and well-being.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ferreira, for your insights.It’s essential to continue monitoring this situation closely, as it affects not just the firefighters but public safety as a whole.
Dr. Ferreira: Thank you for discussing these critical issues. It’s important that we shine a light on the challenges faced by our firefighters to ensure they get the support they deserving and need.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. We appreciate your perspective and look forward to updates on how this situation unfolds. This is an evolving story that merits ongoing attention.