Greek firefighters' deaths spark demand for safety reforms

Three firefighters—an seasonal worker, a five‑year veteran and a permanent officer—were killed in separate incidents in Gytheio and Rethymno. The fatalities have highlighted serious gaps in staffing, training, equipment and occupational safety within Greece's fire service.

The Greek Confederation of Trade Unions (GSEE) is urging the government and opposition parties to launch an immediate national dialogue on the fire‑fighting sector. It calls for accelerated recruitment, modern equipment, improved training programmes and resolution of longstanding labour issues to protect those on the front line against escalating climate‑related risks.