Expand Funds for Improving Working Conditions of Firefighters

"To improve working conditions for firefighters who work 84 hours a week and are overworked, we urge you to expand local fire service finances and improve the cost-sharing system."

Rep. Won Yu-cheol and the Korean Society for Public Administration jointly held the 'National Assembly Fire Finance Forum' at the National Assembly Guest House on the 3rd and adopted a proposal to this effect.

The forum was attended by Rep. Won, Nam-goong Geun, president of the Korean Society for Public Administration, Choi Sung-ryong, commissioner of the National Fire Agency, Kim Sang-muk, member of the Government Administration Committee, and Seo Young-bok, secretary general of the Citizens' Coalition for Administrative Reform.

Additionally, 27 National Assembly members participated in adopting the proposal, including Rep. Heo Tae-yeol, supreme council member of the Grand National Party, Kim Sung-hoe (Hwaseong District A), Kim Young-seon (Goyang Ilsan West), and Yu Jung-bok (Gimpo).

The forum stated that "out of 7,340 fire trucks nationwide, 2,232 are aging equipment, with an aging rate of 30.4%" and "moreover, 60 fire stations have not been established in cities, counties, and districts, which is 26% short of the standard."

Through the proposal, the forum recommended the establishment of 'a stable fire service financing investment system through the creation of a fire service subsidy,' 'the establishment of a benefit-based tax system for fire service demands such as fire service facility tax and tobacco tax,' and 'the creation of local fire service financing support systems such as local allocation tax and subsidies.'

In addition, it emphasized that "to expand fire service finances and improve the cost-sharing system, the National Assembly should establish a special committee and enact a 'special law for local fire service financing support.'"