Dispatched Together, Some Receive While Others Don't... Controversy Over 'Rescue and Ambulance Activity Fees'

Jeonggongno Fire Headquarters Nationwide Press Conference
"Payment ranges differ by city and province... Activity fee discrimination by position, relative deprivation"
Ministry of the Interior and Safety "Will consider if there are suggestions"

Controversy continues as whether to pay the 'Rescue and Emergency Activity Allowance' differs even among firefighters dispatched to the same scene. There are calls to expand the payment recipients so that all firefighters engaged in rescue and emergency work can receive the allowance in line with its intended purpose.

According to the National Public Officials Labor Union Fire Headquarters on the 31st, each regional fire headquarters held a nationwide simultaneous press conference the day before demanding improvements in the treatment of firefighters, including this issue. They stated, "In reality, some receive the allowance while others do not for the same dispatch," and added, "All firefighters involved in rescue and emergency activities, including the 119 comprehensive situation room and on-site response teams, should receive the (Rescue and Emergency Activity Allowance)."

The Rescue and Emergency Activity Allowance is a fixed monthly expense paid to firefighters responsible for rescue and emergency duties. Earlier, the government increased the allowance from 100,000 won, which had been the amount for 27 years, to 200,000 won starting this year to improve firefighter treatment. The payment recipients were also expanded to include 'pump ambulances and pump rescue team members.' Previously, the local government budget operation standards specified the allowance recipients as '119 Safety Center paramedics, rescue team fire sergeants, aviation team members, and firefighters responsible for rescue and emergency duties at fire stations.'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

However, firefighters dispatched to the field say that even if they perform duties necessary for rescue and emergency work, the criteria for receiving the allowance are applied differently depending on the local government. Kim Su-ryong, spokesperson for the National Public Officials Labor Union Fire Headquarters, explained, "For example, on-site commanders check overall risk situations, rescue methods, and patient conditions at rescue scenes, but they do not receive the Rescue and Emergency Activity Allowance," adding, "The scope of payment varies slightly by city and province."

There is also analysis that differences in allowance payment among on-site dispatched personnel could damage organizational morale. Kwon Young-gak, head of the National Public Officials Labor Union Fire Headquarters, emphasized, "There should be no discrimination in the allowance based on position. The resulting relative deprivation should not undermine internal cohesion or negatively affect disaster response on-site."

The unique budget structure of firefighting has also influenced the differences in allowance recipients by region and position. Although all firefighters became national employees in 2020, most firefighting budgets are still managed by local governments. The Rescue and Emergency Activity Allowance is also under local government budget jurisdiction. Spokesperson Kim added, "There are differences in how each city and province interprets and accepts the wording regarding (payment recipients)."

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety, which oversees local finances, stated that it will review the matter if related opinions are officially raised. A ministry official said, "If there is a request that some on-site personnel are not receiving the allowance, further review is necessary," adding, "The budget operation standards are revised annually if needed. We will thoroughly assess the current situation and reflect necessary matters."