Fire fighters' rights in Lebanon

Thanks to the blog From Beirut with Funk for recognizing the real heroes at Ain El Remmaneh Fire, the civil defense fire fighters. On the occasion, it's worth bringing their dire situation to public attention. Fire fighters in Lebanon are treated as part-time employees and paid for 10 days of work a month. Their service is based on 24-hour shifts every three days and consequently, they have very little benefits. They have a small package of medical benefits that only covers injuries sustained on the job, they don't have pensions or educational benefits or any other benefits enjoyed by the army, police and general security personnel. Effectively, the civil defense staff have only the 'right' to risk their lives in return for no recognition or adequate compensation.

Let's hope that their competence in controlling the fire in Ain El Remmaneh would bring some public and media attention to their unacceptable situation. This is not a way to treat people who risk their lives in the line of duty.