Firefighters in the Rhône are going through a difficult period, with relations between management and the trade unions appearing to be very strained. There are numerous demands, which have been endorsed by all the trade union organisations; they have issued a joint strike notice for 6 to 10 December.
During the latest protest, which took place on 27 November, several dozen staff members entered the General Staff building. The departmental director, Comptroller-General Serge Delaigue, states that"they caused damage to public property intended for the provision of public services", without, however, providing any further details. The incident has been recorded in a bailiff’s report and a complaint will be lodged.
The public prosecutor has been informed
"I (...) and three of my closest colleagues were subjected to a number of acts by certain officers whilst carrying out our duties: eggs were thrown at us, we were subjected to remarks that undermined our honour and reputation, and we were forcibly detained under threat within an enclosed area" he said, adding that he had filed a report with the public prosecutor.
A report made pursuant to Article 40 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which provides that "Any public authority, any public officer or civil servant who, in the course of their duties, becomes aware of a crime or offence is required to report it without delay to the public prosecutor and to forward to that magistrate all information, reports and documents relating thereto".
Six fire and rescue services called in as reinforcements
In anticipation of the forthcoming strike and according to trade union officials, the SDMIS management has decided to make up for the absence of striking staff by calling in volunteer firefighters from the Rhône and six other departments, including the Loire, the Ain, the Isère, Savoie, Haute-Savoie and Drôme. This move has seriously annoyed the unions, who have decided to go on strike during Lyon’s traditional Festival of Lights.
They are calling for staffing levels to be aligned with operational requirements. At present, staffing levels are insufficient in relation to the daily operational capacity (DOC). They are also calling for a pre-defined 12-hour shift pattern. Furthermore, they believe it is unfair that their pay is lower than that of their colleagues in other departments.