The SLFP trade union announced on Sunday that it was lodging a new strike warning for the fire and emergency medical aid service (SIAMU) in the Brussels-Capital Region, following the theft of an on-duty ambulance and an attack on paramedics on Saturday night.
An on-duty ambulance was stolen in Laeken on Saturday night, but the vehicle was recovered shortly afterwards. A little later, SIAMU ambulance staff were attacked in Saint-Josse-ten-Noode.
In view of these incidents, the SLFP is asking the authorities what they are "waiting for" to ensure the protection of first-aiders in the Brussels-Capital Region. "A death in our ranks?" it asks. The union is also concerned about the arrangements that will be put in place to protect staff during the festive season.
"Every day, dozens of members of staff have to leave the Yser metro station or the Gare du Nord to go to work in fear," explains the SLFP. "We can see that priorities are elsewhere and that the protection of staff, who work to help and rescue people, is being disregarded."
The strike notice will come into force as soon as it is received by the Brussels Government, and will be accompanied by a "much more detailed" list of demands. In particular, the union is calling for the powers relating to the SIAMU to be withdrawn from Secretary of State Ans Persoons.
