An association representing workers at the Civil Protection Department said today that while it welcomed the prime minister's recent appreciation of the work done by rescuers during last week's floods, it would have been happier had its long-standing claims been heeded.

It said that successive home affairs ministers had ignored its called for all members of the department to be able to retire early on a service pension. The association is also calling for allowances for on-call work, shifts, and dangers which rescuers face.

It is also seeking insurance coverage for rescuers and recognition for the association as a trade union.

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