Firefighters stage two-hour walkout

Members of the Fire Brigades Union walked out in a row over pensions and retirement age.

The union said the Government and fire employers had failed to offer any firm guarantees on jobs or pensions as a result of changes to the pension age from 55 to 60.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) attended 13 incidents during this morning’s industrial action, from 6am to 8am.

Dave Walton, Assistant Chief Officer, said: “This morning has been exceptionally busy in comparison to other similar periods. Our contingency crews have dealt with all incidents effectively and professionally.

Today’s action was the third period of strike action taken by members of the FBU.

Members also walked out on Friday between 6.30pm and 11pm. WYFRS attended 19 incidents during that time.

During both strikes the number of fire engines available in the district dropped from 50 to between 20 and 30.