European mobilisation day of firefighters in Brussels (3 November 2026)
Date of the event:
On 3 November 2026 firefighters from across Europe meet in Brussels for a trade union mobilisation day promoted by EPSU (European Public Service Union), coinciding with the European Civil Protection Forum 2026. A delegation from Piedmont, sent by the Turin firefighters' union FP CGIL Vigili del Fuoco, takes part in the initiative [1].
The Piedmontese delegation
The Piedmontese union is represented by Nunzio De Nigris, provincial coordinator of FP CGIL VVF Turin, a member of the National Coordination body and national officer for Health and Safety. He is joined by health and safety representative Elena Guidi and by Lorenzo Fresta, both of the Turin Fire Brigade Command. Their union work, according to reports, has over the years helped bring the issue of firefighters' professional exposure to harmful agents to the attention of national and European debate [1].
The demands
The mobilisation day is part of a broader series of initiatives by FP CGIL VVF: on 21 October 2026 the union had promoted assemblies and a mobilisation day at all Italian fire brigade commands, and the campaign continues with a national sector-wide strike scheduled for 20 November 2026. The demands concern staffing levels, pensions, training, professional and economic recognition, and health and safety [1].
In Brussels FP CGIL brings to EPSU's attention an Italian proposal already put forward, calling for recognition of professional exposure to health risks through a specific economic allowance, together with health, pension and insurance recognition, including for consequences that may appear after the end of a firefighter's working life. The union also calls for effective and uniform procedures to reduce exposure to smoke, PFAS and other hazardous contaminants, stressing that contamination also affects protective equipment, gear, vehicles and workplaces [1].
Related articles: Cgil Torino, FP CGIL Vigili del Fuoco Torino
Sources
- TorinoOggi — 2 November 2026