Firefighters' mandatory retirement age should remain at 60 years old.
In a strong stance against the proposed age limit increase for retirement from the fire service in North Rhine-Westphalia, State Parliamentarian and Chairwoman of the SPD city council fraction, Sonja Bongers, has voiced her concerns.
Bongers, who has been a vocal advocate for firefighters, believes that the physically and mentally demanding nature of their work makes extending their service under tougher conditions unfair and potentially harmful. Firefighters already face high risks and strenuous conditions, and the added stress of working longer years could impact their health and effectiveness in their critical roles.
Bongers emphasizes the importance of respecting the sacrifices and challenges firefighters endure. She advocates instead for policies that protect their well-being rather than prolong their service.
The SPD leader also criticizes key politicians of the CDU for making the public service, including the fire service, less attractive. She argues that this is not an effective way to promote jobs in the state.
Firefighters in North Rhine-Westphalia already work a 48-hour week due to shift work, which contributes to the increasing stress they face. This is further compounded by physical and psychological strains, and potential attacks from the public during deployments.
Bongers believes that the continuous discussion about moving away from the age limit of 60 for firefighters is unacceptable. She reiterates her stance that firefighters have already more than fulfilled their contribution over the course of their career.
The strains in the fire and rescue service are a significant concern that politics should consider, according to Bongers. She calls for politics to take the stress levels in the fire and rescue service seriously and to address them appropriately.
In a rejection of the plans of the NRW Ministry of the Interior to raise the age limit for retirement from the fire service, Bongers argues that it is not how to promote jobs in the state. Instead, she proposes policies that prioritize the well-being and respect the sacrifices of firefighters.
- Sonja Bongers, the SPD leader, expressed concerns about the potential impact of increasing the retirement age for firefighters in North Rhine-Westphalia, as it might negatively affect their health and workplace wellness, given the physically and mentally demanding nature of the job.
- Bongers emphasized the importance of considering the health and mental health of firefighters, who already face high risks, long working hours, and significant physical and psychological stress, as well as potentially violent encounters during deployments.
- In the face of steep demands, Bongers advocated for policies prioritizing the health and wellness of firefighters rather than extending their service, as these emphasize respect for their sacrifices and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the fire service in promoting public safety and fitness and exercise.
