We are one of the best trained lifeguards in the world and one of the lowest paid lifeguards in the world. The occupation is not registered, we can't even claim." With these words he asked the Health Committee of the Parliament for his representative to intervene liaison of rescue ambulance crews Michalis Aresti.
«The month is 20, I have 4 children and I keep €60 for the rest of the month", he said and added: "we are all in the same situation. We thought about going on strike but it's not possible. If we do human lives will be endangered or lost».
The rescuers said, they are trapped right now since the registration of their profession and the creation of a professional register is part of the bill concerning the operation of ambulances in general which, due to a disagreement that has arisen between the Ministries of Finance and Health, remains at a standstill.
«We are only asking that the part of the bill that concerns us be excluded from the bill and to come to Parliament as an independent. With the operation of the register we will also be able to claim it A5 scale for our salary.
Some colleagues are desperate. Some want to to resign because they cannot meet the needs of their family. We cannot look our children in the eye. My son asks me why I don't change jobs. I don't because I saw people die in my hands. I want to help save as many people as possible. During the pandemic you all called us the unsung heroes and we joked with each other and said that we are the invisible heroes who go to fight the invisible enemy».
The cry of distress of the rescuers, also shocked the members of the parliamentary committeeof Health who immediately committed to send a letter to the Minister of Health to separate the provisions concerning the registration of their profession from the bill that provides for the operation of ambulances in general.
Source: Pilenews