Public Services International The global union federation of workers in public services

Emergency workers have among the riskiest jobs in the world. When disaster strikes, they run towards the danger.

We need to value their work, during times of emergency and normality. Emergency departments need to be well funded, with quality training, equipment and conditions of work. Regrettably, this is not the case in far too many countries around the world.

Emergency service workers are often prevented from joining trade unions and cannot negotiate collective agreements with their employers. This leaves emergency workers unprotected and ill-equipped to defend their rights, even as we ask them to risk their lives to save others.

Climate change is causing many more extreme weather events, which cause havoc when they strike urban environments.

With the rate of global warming accelerating and given the inability of governments to significantly limit carbon emissions, disasters will be more frequent and more deadly.

Emergency workers are called on to risk their lives in conflict situations, including when civilians are targeted. Increasingly, we are seeing first responders become targets in conflicts. It is imperative that these workers be accorded the protections enshrined in UN statutes and conventions.

It is rare that workers and trade unions are involved in emergency planning and decision-making, despite the fact that first responders and frontline workers regularly risk their lives, and have acquired in-depth knowledge in the field.

At the global level, to the extent that ‘workers’ are even considered, the focus is most often on volunteers, ignoring the vital role of emergency responders.

We need to raise awareness on the role of well-prepared and trained professional public sector workers in seeing their communities through disasters and emergencies.

We fight to ensure emergency workers:

• Are not exposed to unnecessary health and safety risks while performing their jobs of saving lives and protecting property

• Have adequate staffing levels and are properly equipped and trained to provide the protections that communities need, and

• Are able, post-crisis, to build stronger, more resilient unions and to advocate for quality public services which support just and equitable societies.

Emergency and disaster preparation

Preparation, anticipation and prevention are essential for dealing with emergencies.

Preparedness before a disaster occurs is the best way to minimize casualties and damage. It also helps in the quick recovery. Workers and trade unions need to be actively involved in disaster planning, updating and monitoring - as our expertise can contribute to ensure continuity of services during emergencies.

We also need to support community-wide and region-wide preparation, including coordination between different agencies, with the business sector and other relevant stakeholders.

Responding to emergencies

Unions must be a key player in rebuilding/reconstruction (or Build Back Better) plans. Crises expose weaknesses in readiness systems and highlight the need to advance trade union and Quality Public Services.

In the course of their job, first responders and frontline workers show the highest level of professionalism and dedication to saving lives and protecting infrastructure and property. This demonstrates their essential role in post-emergency decision-making.