For several months the firefighters protested outside the central station in Gårda. They received a lot of support as drivers in cars and trucks honked as they passed by.

Recently they started marching through downtown, taking turns between stations. Every workday firefighters from one or two stations go to the city center after their night shift for the protest. They have made up a schedule of the actions and who is participating through November.

On June 15 firefighters from Kungsbacka and Lindome marched after completing their night shift. "We demand a decent wage," read one placard. "We are let down, we are fooled, we are angry," said another. One firefighter held up a sign that said, "Promised wage. Denied wage."

The marchers were recognized and popular on the street among people on their way to work. Here was a thumbs-up, there was a wave, or a honk in support. A woman told them, "Well done. Keep up the fight, guys!"

On May Day around 200 firefighters and ambulance drivers marched in their uniforms as a special column in the traditional May Day demonstration, organized by the trade unions. The firefighters led off the march behind a banner that read, "Firefighters want to reach wages they can live on." Coming down Avenyn, the central street in Gothenburg, each of the firefighters set off their own fire alarm to attract the attention of the spectators.

At the same time as the workers started the marches they also decided to refuse to work any extra shifts during the vacation period. But the union cannot officially support the actions. Antiunion legislation in Sweden denies any possibility for the union to officially declare any slowdown during a national contract period.

"Our fight is for our wages," one firefighter said, pointing to bad conditions working people face, such as nurses at the hospitals who are poorly paid. "But if our action will help others to raise their demands, it is fine. The nurses also deserve a raise."

Åke Liljegren said the firefighters are standing together. "Every one is participating when it is their turn to march. No one declines," he said.

Dag Tirsén is a member of the metal workers union.  
 
 
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