Brussels firefighters continue strike, reject government measures

Brussels firefighters are escalating their industrial action, continuing a strike that has significantly disrupted services and drawn the ire of the public. Representatives met with the Brussels-Prime Minister on Friday afternoon to discuss the critical issues of staffing levels and working conditions, which have fueled widespread anger since Tuesday.

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This is no longer possible, firefighters are collapsing, purely and simply.

Despite the government's announcement of over a hundred new hires by 2027 and a €10 million investment, firefighters deem the measures insufficient and too vague. They are demanding clearer explanations regarding the allocation of funds and the specifics of personnel recruitment. The union representatives have expressed frustration, with one stating, "This is no longer possible, firefighters are collapsing, purely and simply."

The strike's impact is substantial, with only 37 out of the usual 172 firefighters on duty in the Brussels region on Friday. The majority of those present have reportedly been requisitioned, a move condemned by unions as "totally disrespectful." Union leaders warn that requisitions planned for the following week undermine any genuine commitment to reaching an agreement.

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These requisitions are made in a totally disrespectful manner, in the middle of the night and waking up the entire neighborhood as if it were an arrest.

The firefighters' movement stems from years of understaffing and burnout. "We are operating at a critical level. This leads to sick leaves, which further amplifies the problem," explained a union delegate. The situation highlights a deep-seated crisis within the emergency services, with personnel pushed to their limits.

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Some requisitions are already planned for next week, this clearly calls into question the stated desire to reach an agreement.