Ajuda’s volunteer firefighters have been providing assistance to the public without pay since November. Two months of wages were arrears “due to the blocking of bank accounts following a claim by a construction company,” the department established. CM.
At least three operatives are living in the barracks due to “severe financial difficulties.” “The economic situation is so serious that the money that workers receive from the services they provide to the population, which is also at serious risk (for example, lack of oxygen in ambulances), is distributed according to their needs in order to be able to fulfill obligations and urgent needs such as paying for childcare, water or electricity bills,” says the National Union of Local Government Workers, which is preparing a complaint to the Labor Standards Authority.
“We are monitoring the situation with deep concern and have already provided food support to meet immediate needs, and have also proposed the creation of a protocol that would allow a certain amount of money to be allocated annually,” the head of state says. CM Junta da Ajuda about the “delicate” situation at the fire station.
Ajuda’s firefighters also serve Benfica, Belem and Alcántara (a total of about 80,000 inhabitants in four parishes), whose councils have also offered support.
The Junta da Ajuda guarantees that it is committed to addressing the problem and “guaranteeing the well-being of our firefighters and the institution.”
The Humanitarian Association for Voluntary Assistance to Firefighters did not answer journalists’ questions. CM.
Author: Miguel Balanza
Source: CM Jornal
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