Firefighters to stage eight further days of strike action in defence of pensions

Firefighters will stage eight further days of strike action as a blazing row with the government over pensions rumbles on.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has called the action, which will take place on consecutive days from August 19.

Firefighters will be on strike from noon-2pm and from 10.59pm-11.59pm each day.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The union is in dispute with the government over plans to make firefighters work until they are 60 to claim their pension or lose money if they retire earlier.

Sean Starbuck, FBU national officer, said: “It’s extremely disappointing that we have had to issue more strike dates but the government are simply not listening to our concerns.

“We have a new fire minister but to date she doesn’t appear to have listened to our case.

“The government still has an opportunity to improve their offer which could avoid the need for action.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The FBU’s latest round of strikes over pensions ended on July 21.

Steve Rhodes, West Yorkshire’s assistant chief fire officer, said: “The short but frequent periods of strike will pose a challenge for us, but safety is our priority when planning for such circumstances and this industrial action

is no exception.

“The public of West Yorkshire can rest assured that our contingency arrangements mean

we will provide the best cover possible.

“The communities of West Yorkshire have been very receptive in the past to our community safety

campaigns and we ask them yet again to take extra care to ensure you and your families stay safe.”

Related topics: