“[The] SNBP does not want to believe that it will be forced to go on strike so that the hot water issue can be resolved,” the union said in a statement.

According to workers' representatives, the Faro Firefighters continue to face an “unsustainable and unacceptable” situation, with the unit's barracks having no hot water since December.

“This situation, which has already been publicly denounced by the SNBP, remains unresolved despite numerous attempts to find a definitive solution”.

According to the union, a proposal for a temporary solution, suggested by two members of the Faro Firefighters' Company, which consisted of installing an electrical cable in the internal corridor to solve the problem, “was promptly rejected by the 2nd commander, who insists that the problem should be resolved exclusively by specialised technicians”.

On the other hand, an alternative solution provided by Faro City Council – the Campo Municipal da Penha spa – “creates even more constraints”, as it is located more than a kilometre from the barracks and is used by other entities, they add.

“It is unacceptable that, in the 21st century, the Faro Firefighters, who guarantee the safety and well-being of the population, have to travel to a public sports facility to be able to access basic facilities”.

Lack of uniforms

The union considers that “the situation is even more serious”, due to the lack of adequate uniforms and the health conditions of professionals, who are exposed to risks, namely chemical, biological, and radiological agents, among others.

“The working conditions of Faro Firefighters are being constantly devalued, putting at risk not only their well-being and safety but also the quality of the service provided to the population, insists the SNBP.

The union regrets that, despite having already filed a complaint with the Authority for Working Conditions (ACT) and having reported the situation in several meetings with the local authority, “solutions continue to be postponed and promises are not kept”.

“In view of the continued negligence and lack of response, we are evaluating the possibility of going ahead with a strike in Faro”, reiterates the union, adding that it cannot accept that working and safety conditions are put at risk due to issues that are the “total responsibility” of the Faro local authority.

“The Faro Firefighters deserve more respect, more dignity and, above all, minimum conditions to perform their duties”, they conclude.