Firefighters to strike again in 24-hour walk-out

The Fire Brigades Union said its members will walk out at 9am on December 9 in an on-going row over pensions.

It claims government proposals could see firefighters face severely reduced pensions if they fail fitness tests as a result of an increased retirement age.

Despite almost three years of negotiations, no agreement has yet been reached.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “Firefighters in England are reluctantly calling further strike action today as a direct result of the Westminster government’s failure to listen and negotiate over pensions.

“Firefighters are asking the Westminster government to immediately open genuine negotiations to resolve this dispute.

“We need to be clear. We are not going to give up or go away.

“Firefighters will fight for however long it takes to secure a fair pensions deal – this dispute will not end as long as the regulations remain unchanged.”

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service’s chief fire officer, Chris Kenny said: “This is a national dispute between the FBU and Government and is not a dispute between Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and our firefighters.

“We do have a significant number of our staff who have given a commitment to maintain emergency cover and as a result the public can be reassured that the Service plan to keep fire engines in Lancashire operational during the dispute period.”

Firefighters across Lancashire will walk out at 9am on December 9, returning to work at 9am the following day.