ANOTHER eight days of strike action by firefighters have been announced.
Firefighters will go on strike again between August 9 and 16 because the Government has not improved their pension proposals.
Firefighters say the current pension proposals are unworkable and would mean firefighters face dismissal because they cannot maintain the high physical fitness requirements necessary for their role until they are 60. They would also mean they have to opt for early retirement with a high reduction in their pension.
Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said: “It is absolutely ludicrous that a government can impose a scheme which means that firefighters will have to ride engines and rescue people from fires up to age 60.
“This is unsafe and unrealistic for both firefighters and the public. We know it, and the public know it, but the Government will not listen to the evidence-based case we have made to them.”
An improved position meaning firefighters can retire with more flexibility from age 55 has been considered and costed by the Government for more than three months but has not been offered.
The strikes will be between noon and 2pm and 10:59pm and 11:59pm each day from August 9 to 16.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here