Strike extended by firefighters' unions

Professional firefighters' unions in France have extended their strike until December 4, citing unresolved demands for increased human and financial resources. The initial strike, which began in September and ended in October, has been prolonged to pressure the government into addressing concerns over funding and working conditions.

Unions highlight key issues

The unions, represented by eight organizations in an inter-union group, emphasized in a letter to the Minister of the Interior their hope for "a sustainable, fair and ambitious funding" to match the growing demands placed on firefighters. They have been in a standoff with the government since the summer, a period marked by major fires and the burning of over 100,000 hectares of land.

Government outlines financial plans

Laurent Nuñez, the Minister of the Interior, had previously promised an additional billion euros over five years for civil security. He later specified that an additional 200 million euros would be allocated to civil security in 2027 as part of a multi-year plan totaling one billion euros.

New funding sources proposed

On October 6, Nuñez explained to deputies that an increase in the special tax on insurance contracts (TSCA) would generate about 140-150 million euros annually starting in 2027, benefiting the Departmental Fire and Rescue Services (Sdis). He also mentioned plans to significantly increase aerial resources by doubling the rental of equipment during the summer, rather than expanding the national fleet.

Unions push for staffing changes

The unions continue to demand a "drastic reduction in operational demands" or a "statutory recruitment of professional firefighters" to ensure staffing levels match the rising demands placed on the service.