South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has said arrangements to cover yesterday’s four-hour strike went well.
Firefighters went on strike on Wednesday between 12pm and 4pm in a row over pensions.
Under plans by the UK Government, firefighters in England will get their full pension at 60. Changes to pensions in Wales have not yet been finalised. Those retiring early, the FBU argue, would lose thousands of pounds.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Rod Hammerton said he was pleased with how South Wales Fire and Rescue Service had managed its services during the strike action.
He saidL “As expected, the number of firefighters from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service who chose to strike was high, which resulted in a large reduction in the resources that we had at our disposal. As such, we were unable to provide the same high level of response to incidents as we normally would and as a consequence prioritised our response to those in most critical need.
“The arrangements we put in place to provide a service during strike action worked well. Our robust and well rehearsed business continuity arrangements were put into operation effectively and as soon as the strike period came to an end we were able to ensure a quick and safe return to normal services.
“I would like to take this opportunity to note the professionalism of our operational staff – understandably emotions can run high at times such as these but I am pleased to say that their behaviour has been measured throughout.
“Locally we will continue to work to maintain strong industrial relations and constructive dialogue with representatives of the union. Our hope is that between the Fire Brigades Union and Government this dispute can be quickly brought to a safe and acceptable conclusion for all parties.”
Further industrial action has not been ruled out by the Fire Brigades Union.
Matt Wrack, the union’s General Secretary, said: “This was solidly supported strike action by firefighters across England and Wales. It has demonstrated their anger and their determination.
“This strike was a last resort after the government refused to negotiate – and a warning shot that firefighters are serious about keeping a fair, safe and workable pensions scheme.
“Firefighters across the country are reporting a fantastic response from the public, who seem to understand that the government’s proposals on pensions are ludicrous.
“We haven’t ruled out further industrial action, but let’s hope common sense wins out, public safety is put first and the government comes back open to compromise.”