Firefighters union announced fourth walkout for next week

Firefighters have announced that a fourth strike on pensions will take place between 10am and 2pm on Wednesday 13 November in England and Wales.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said that the action follows the decision of the government in Westminster to "worsen proposals on firefighter pensions" has prompted the latest walkout.

In addition the Fire Brigades Union announced the start of a further ballot for other forms of industrial action, which will close on Wednesday 4 December.

On the new strike date, FBU General Secretary, said: “Our members enter burning buildings for a living, and will not be intimidated by the government’s decision to worsen their proposals. This latest attack will simply harden the resolve of firefighters.

“Ministers continue to ignore the professional, evidence-based case firefighters have presented over the past three years and refuse to establish an affordable occupational pension scheme which reflects the occupation of firefighting.

“There seems to be little or no understanding of what our members actually do or the standards they are required to meet.”

On the new ballot for further industrial action, Wrack said:

“Although we still hope the government returns to negotiations, our members have told us that they are prepared for a long, hard campaign if necessary.

“As a result we are now balloting for further forms of industrial action.

“The fire and rescue service is totally reliant on the goodwill of firefighters on the front line. Many are now performing additional duties and additional hours as a result of central government funding cuts.

“There is precious little goodwill left in view of these attacks and that I am confident that will be reflected in this further vote.

“I urge the government to come back and talk about all the issues in dispute.”

Fire Minister, Brandon Lewis, told firefighters on Friday 1 November that he had withdrawn June proposals on firefighters taking their pension before 60.

The FBU has argued that firefighters are likely to experience a decline in fitness in their 50s, meaning that they would be unlikely to meet the fitness standards required in the fire service.

Chief Fire Officers last week highlighted that the government’s proposals would mean firefighters facing a choice between the loss of almost half their pension or dismissal for failing to reach the standards.

However Mr Lewis said: "It is disappointing that the FBU are once again choosing to strike when the government has offered a generous pension and developed a package on firefighter fitness that addresses the majority of their concerns. The FBU claim not to be able to agree to these proposals in England, yet similar proposals in Scotland were satisfactory enough to let the strike mandate there fall.

"Firefighters have one of the very best pension schemes available in the whole of the public sector, and with these proposals on fitness it represents a very good deal on the table, which the FBU should accept rather than prolong this dispute.

"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."