Carrefour has announced it will increase the annual volunteer days available to its firefighter employees in response to a call from France's Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, who last summer urged organizations to support firefighters.
The company will now allow its volunteer firefighter staff to take up to 20 days off per year, doubling the previous allocation.
During these periods, employees will continue to receive their regular pay.
Partnership and Support Initiatives
In support of this initiative, Carrefour has partnered with France’s Fédération Nationale des Sapeurs-Pompiers (the national firefighters' federation).
This collaboration focuses on three main areas: providing training programs to educate customers and employees on life-saving techniques and natural risk awareness; offering financial backing to the Fédération Nationale des Sapeurs-Pompiers de France; and facilitating access for firefighters to Carrefour job opportunities.
Recognizing Volunteer Firefighters
Alexandre Bompard, Chairman and CEO of Carrefour, expressed gratitude and admiration for the volunteer firefighters among Carrefour's personnel who played critical roles during recent fires in south-western France.
Bompard stated, “You sometimes find heroes in uniform beneath those Carrefour outfits! Carrefour is proud to have volunteer firefighters among its staff – courageous people who stood out during the terrible fires that hit south-western France last year. We would like to thank them for their commitment and to provide them with even more support by doubling the number of volunteering days they can take each year.”
Additionally, Bompard commented on the broader support for the Fédération Nationale des Sapeurs-Pompiers de France, noting that the organization facilitates skill development and job creation for its members, aspiring to aid those who continually strive to protect and save lives across France.
Last summer, Carrefour stepped forward when France’s Minister of the Interior and Overseas territories Gérald Darmanin appealed to public and private sector companies to give their employees time off so they could aid firefighters.
The Group has decided to bolster its support and double the number of days that its volunteer firefighter employees can take per year – the number is increasing from 10 to 20 days.
Employees who find themselves called up to provide backup out in the field will hold onto their pay throughout the time that they are volunteering.
Key areas
The Group has also joined forces with France’s Fédération Nationale des Sapeurs-Pompiers (the national federation of firefighters) within the framework of partnership that focuses on three key areas:
- Training programs for customers and employees on habits that can save lives, and natural risk awareness-raising programs
- Financial support for the Fédération Nationale des Sapeurs-Pompiers de France
- An initiative to enable firefighters who are members of the Fédération Nationale des Sapeurs-Pompiers de France to access Carrefour job offers
Volunteer firefighters
“You sometimes find heroes in uniform beneath those Carrefour outfits! Carrefour is proud to have volunteer firefighters among its staff – courageous people who stood out during the terrible fires that hit south-western France last year. We would like to thank them for their commitment and to provide them with even more support by doubling the number of volunteering days they can take each year.”
“Carrefour would also like to support the Fédération Nationale des Sapeurs-Pompiers de France which is driving initiatives to mobilize firefighters throughout France, helping to train people acquire life-saving skills and provide its members with jobs. Our aim is simple: we want to help those who help us – people who we admire,” said Alexandre Bompard, Chairman and CEO of the Carrefour Group.
