Fourth Firefighters strike tomorrow
Fire-fighters will strike across England and Wales for a fourth time tomorrow.
In a four hour walkout between 10am and 2pm members of the Fire Brigades Union will leave their posts over the ongoing pension’s dispute with the government.
As well as industrial action the FBU will hold a ballot of members to decide if to take further industrial action.
Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack said: “After 35 years of service — and paying at least £4,000 a year — firefighters could now receive just over £9,000 a year or the sack simply because fitness declines as they get older.
“Firefighters simply want an affordable and workable pension that reflects the job we do. But with employee costs going up, firefighters are being priced out making the scheme threatening its sustainability.
“We’re keen to resolve this through negotiations, but the government is simply ignoring all the evidence we have submitted.”
The FBU argues that the scheme is one of the most expensive for workers anywhere in the public or private sector. Contrary to government claims, it is also one of the least generous because employers pay one of the lowest proportions compared to other public service employers.
The union has also said that the expensive pension proposals are designed to fail because they ignores the physical demands of the firefighters’ occupation. Evidence suggests that at least two thirds of the current workforce would be unable to maintain the fitness standards required by the fire service beyond the age of 55. Such firefighters would face the prospect of being dismissed or seeing their pension reduced by almost half.
So far there have been no further talks between the FBU and the Government since talks collapsed in October. With both side blaming the other for the lack of further talks.
Fire Minister , Brandon Lewis in a statement today, said: "The FBU’s fourth strike day contradicts its claims to want to resolve this dispute through negotiation and further damages the good reputation of firefighters with the public.
"The offer on the table has significant advantages over the Scottish fitness principles that the FBU has already accepted. These proposals provide a firm basis for resolving this dispute. The FBU should call off the industrial action to continue discussions.
"Firefighters will still get one of the most generous public pension schemes. Less than a quarter of firefighters will see any change in their retirement age in 2015 and more firefighters pensions are protected than in any other large public service workforce.
"A firefighter who earns £29,000, and retires after a full career aged 60, will get a £19,000 a year pension, rising to £26,000 with the state pension. An equivalent private pension pot would be worth over half a million pounds and require firefighters to contribute twice as much."
Devon and Somerset Fire and rescue authority has maintained that the dispute is between the FBU and the Government but will continue to provide a service with the resources available.
Phil Martin, Head of Community Fire Safety for the Service, said: “You can help us again by taking extra care and time to think about fire safety in your home during this period - checking smoke alarms, ensuring you know what you would do if there was a fire and not making unnecessary calls to the fire and rescue service. You will find FAQs and lots of fire safety advice on our website, www.dsfire.gov.uk.
