Greece firefighters demand permanent contracts after Athens protest

Athens — Hundreds of firefighters gathered on August 31 outside the Greek parliament to demand permanent employment and to protest the seasonal contracts that leave many without work during the winter months.

About 9,000 firefighters take part in firefighting operations across Greece, and roughly one quarter of them are employed only on seasonal contracts — working eight months a year, with their contracts ending as soon as the wildfire risk subsides. Protesters say that system leaves crews exposed to long periods of uncertainty.

Union leaders warn of loss of experience

Jorgos Celepis, the 45-year-old head of the seasonal firefighters’ union who called the rally, said his members are treated as heroes in summer and discarded afterward. "They squeeze us like a lemon, and then we become useless to them. While they need us, we are heroes," he said.

Several firefighters spoke of the psychological and practical toll of the current arrangements. A firefighter identified only as Georgia told demonstrators: "Every year I'm under stress whether I'll be hired again. It exhausts me mentally." A colleague, Drosos, added: "The problem is that, if we get injured, there is a high likelihood that next year they will not hire us again." Protest leaders also pointed out that there is no legal protection for those cases.

Union representatives argue that firefighters could be used year-round for prevention work, for example controlled burns to create protective belts, rather than being left idle once the danger subsides. "For three months we receive an unemployment allowance of €600 net, and in the fourth month we get absolutely nothing," Celepis explained.

The tensions intensified after the government announced plans to hire a large intake of new firefighters but set a maximum entry age of 30. The change would automatically exclude many seasonal workers, including Celepis. Support also came from some permanently employed firefighters, including Akis Bardakis, president of the Panhellenic Association of Firefighters and Forest Commandos, who warned that a 20- or 21-year-old recruit, while physically fit, will be inexperienced. "We must not forget that experience in fighting fires is not gained by theoretical classroom teaching," Bardakis stressed.

Certain government officials accepted the list of demands presented by the protesters, but until Monday there was no official statement. It remains unclear whether the demonstrations will result in changes; however, many argue the state cannot long ignore crews whose work is crucial as wildfires become more frequent.

Photo: press material from the event