French firefighters plan nationwide strike over lack of resources
French firefighters' unions have called a nationwide strike for Sept. 29, accusing the government of failing to support them during a summer marked by record heat and severe wildfires. They are demanding more funding, staff and a modernized civil security system.
Representatives of French firefighting unions have announced a nationwide protest for Sept. 29, accusing the government of inadequate support following a summer of intense wildfires fueled by record heat and drought.
Union spokesperson Xavier Boy said firefighters are asking for the resources needed to protect French citizens. While firefighters are permitted to strike, they must maintain minimum staffing to respond to emergencies.
Key demands
Among the unions' top priorities are legislation to modernize France's civil security framework, large-scale recruitment of professional firefighters, and increased funding for firefighters' health and safety. Boy also called for investment levels that match the risks France faces now and will face in the future, noting that Europe is the fastest-warming continent on the planet.
On Thursday, during a smaller strike action, union representatives met with Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez but left the meeting dissatisfied, accusing him of being evasive. Nuñez later told reporters that a bill to improve civil security would be presented to the unions on Sept. 8, and that resources allocated to firefighters would be adjusted in next year's budget, though he declined to specify an amount.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has tasked seven members of parliament with drafting a report containing policy proposals to improve firefighting in France, due by Sept. 21.
A volunteer-heavy system
Currently, nearly 80 percent of France's firefighters are volunteers, while fewer than 20 percent — mostly based in urban areas — are professionals. This summer, professional firefighters faced fierce wildfires driven by climate change-related heat and drought, expected to cost taxpayers billions of euros. Boy said firefighters battling one of the worst wildfires in recent French history near Bordeaux lacked sufficient personnel, equipment and forecasting capability.
