In Rio de Janeiro this week, bombeiros (firefighters) are protesting against meager pay.
Whereas U.S. firefighters are seen as heroes in American society - even more so following their valiant rescue actions during 9/11 – it seems that the bombeiros of Rio de Janeiro do not command such esteem in the eyes of Rio’s State Health Department and Civil Defense.
The Rio Times reports the average salary for a bombeiro is R$950 (aprox. US$600) per month, compared to the average U.S. firefighter salary of US$3,449 per month.
In addition, Rio’s bombeiros are subject to criminal penalties of up to eight years in prison for their public protests against paltry pay.
Would you be?
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