Firefighters have returned to work after the first of two strikes in row over pensions.
Members of the Fire Brigades Union walked out between 6.30pm and 11pm on Friday and will do so again on Monday November 4 between 6am and 8am.
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.
“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.”
FBU General Secretary Matt Wrack said, “Firefighters have once again shown their determination to defend their pension rights and to campaign for a pension which reflects the job they do.
“We hope government will now sit down and negotiate a settlement to this dispute.
“So far Ministers have completely ignored the evidence in front of them. We hope this action will finally open their eyes.”