Firefighters protest in Portugal for better pay, working conditions

By Senhan Bolelli

MADRID (AA) - Firefighters on Wednesday held a demonstration in Portugal’s capital Lisbon to demand a pay rise and better working conditions.

Wearing firefighting gear, the firefighters gathered and occupied the steps leading to the parliament, according to Euronews.

Some of them used colored smoke canisters, lit flares and sounded sirens while they criticized members of parliament, shouting "shame."

Two tires and a firefighter uniform were also set on fire during the protest.

They demand an increase in salaries, increased risk subsidies for battling massive fires that have broken out in the country every summer, improvement in working hours, and retirement at the age of 50.

Speaking to reporters, Interior Minister Margarida Blasco said that negotiations on the demands are being carried out at a good pace, adding she believes that they will reach a positive outcome soon.

Firefighters were among seven dead during massive blazes that raged in the northern and central part of the country last month.