The CHEGA party in Madeira is advocating for an increase in the number of firefighters and improvements to operational working conditions.
This stance follows a meeting with representatives from the National Union of Civil Protection (SNPC), where the state of the sector, mountain rescue, professional firefighter parity, and air asset management were discussed.
The union raised concerns about deteriorating working conditions, citing instances of firefighters having only about five days off per month and delays in subsidy payments for volunteers. CHEGA proposes a 50% increase in operational staff for 24-hour coverage and alleged financial mismanagement and "forced overtime" related to volunteer hours.
The party announced plans to introduce legislative initiatives in the Regional Parliament to demand more human resources, adequate pay, and transparency in public management of the sector.
