14 Jul 2014
Facilities managers and those responsible for company fire safety procedures are being warned about a series of short firefighter walkouts this week.
Fire service personnel belonging to the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) in England and Wales are continuing their industrial action in protest against Government plans to reform their pensions and make them work longer before they can retire.
The latest action is the lengthiest so far since the first strike more than 12 months ago.
The industrial action is for two hours on eight days in a row starting on Monday.
Last week the FBU joined millions of public sector workers in a day’s walkout to show their displeasure at Government policies.
The Government has responded by repeating its view that even with the changes the FBU members would still have a good pension.
Firefighters are angry because they say the changes will mean many of them will still be fighting fires in their late 50s and early 60s.
The London Fire Brigade says it may not send firecrews to deal with minor incidents that don’t threaten people’s lives when its members are on strike and its fire commissioner, Ron Dobson, is urging parents to educate their children the dangers of making hoax calls and diverting its resources unnecessarily. He said this is even more important during periods of strike action.
Copyright Press Association 2014