FP CGIL And FP CGIL VVF Rimini draw the attention of the President of the Province to the critical issues of the Provincial Command of the Rimini Fire Brigade
FP CGIL Rimini and FP CGIL VVF Rimini have sent a letter to the Mayor of the Municipality of Rimini and President of the Province Jamil Sadegholvaad to highlight the critical issues affecting the Provincial Command of the Fire Brigade of Rimini. The note is sent at a critical moment, with the approach of the summer season which sees a massive influx of tourists and a consequent increase in the need for security and rescue.
The national context The situation is characterized by a chronic shortage of staff, which has persisted for years, aggravated by exhausting shifts, especially during the summer, and by the absence of INAIL insurance against accidents and occupational diseases. Further staff reductions are expected by 2030 due to retirements, further worsening the coverage of the entire national territory; unless we limit ourselves to covering only metropolitan cities. Among the factors that aggravate the situation: extreme atmospheric phenomena, the upcoming forest firefighting campaign and the numerous commitments in rural and aquatic facilities. The ordinary urgent technical assistance, the expired national contract, an ineffective professional system and compromised trade union relations further aggravate the situation, leaving the Fire Brigade with unacceptable work overloads. The lack of respect towards staff, forced to work overtime as a matter of course, is unacceptable. Is it possible that a public service should be guaranteed through the use of overtime? The Fire Brigade is operating with 4,000 operational and 2,500 administrative personnel less than necessary, leading the Union to report the critical issues for years without obtaining improvements.
Shortage of vehicles and equipment in the province of Rimini The Provincial Command of Rimini currently has a single ladder truck, despite the high concentration of hotels, residences and multi-storey guesthouses in the province. This limitation was also reported to the Regional Directorate of the Fire Brigade Department, underlining the seriousness of the situation. The presence of a single ladder truck is insufficient to guarantee an effective response to the numerous extreme climatic events that frequently affect the coast and the hinterland, causing significant damage such as falling trees and unsafe cornices. Furthermore, based on bilateral agreements between the Italian State and the Republic of San Marino, the ladder truck and all personnel could also be requested for rescue interventions in the San Marino territory, further worsening the shortages. In the meantime, a means of securing plants or cornices has been put into use; however, this vehicle is not approved for evacuating people from the upper floors of buildings, therefore a non-life-saving device and not comparable to a ladder truck.
Staff shortages and organizational impacts Currently the Provincial Command of the Rimini Fire Brigade has a shortage of at least 45 units compared to the expected staffing, a reduction of approximately 20%. This deficiency is particularly worrying considering the expansion of the Province which has progressively incorporated 11 Municipalities of the Marche, resulting in an increase in territory and population. Even if the Bellaria – Igea Marina detachment is opened during the summer, the staff employed are the same ones who already work overtime, increasing the workload. This situation also forces frequent shift changes, reduction of rest periods and difficulties in planning holidays. The situation is further aggravated by the fact that hiring and qualification changes are lower than retirements, continuously reducing the number of available staff. Lastly, barring last-minute changes, from the end of June the Fire Brigade Department will launch a qualification transfer course lasting five weeks, further involving the staff of the Rimini Command, worsening the already critical staffing situation at a particular time of the year. This scenario is not sustainable, putting it the response capacity of the Provincial Command is at risk to emergencies.
Proposals and requests FP CGIL and FP CGIL VVF Rimini have asked the Mayor and President of the Province to include these problems – attributable to the safety of citizens and tourists – in its communications with the Government. It is essential to increase the workforce and equip the command with adequate means to deal with summer emergencies and extreme climatic events.
Press
