PARAMARIBO – The judge who is in charge of the lawsuit that the government filed against the union that represents the nation’s firefighters has made it clear that the government has to provide the firefighters with the proper gear, tools and vehicles to get the job done.

 This means that the ball is in the court of the government. The judge acknowledged that the firefighters face many challenges on a daily basis and supported the union’s demand. At the judge’s request the union agreed to let its members get back to work. But the union members will not respond to calls about grass fires and other incidents that are less urgent. The firefighters will be on a partial strike to keep protesting against the fact that they lack the proper gear and tools to protect themselves. The union has repeatedly complained about the suits and shoes that are outdated and no longer meet the current safety standards. Firefighters are also discontent with the fact that firetrucks have to stand in line whenever they need fuel urgently. The union made it clear that firetrucks should be refueled fast so that they can reach their destinations faster in case of a fire…[+]