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Firefighters to strike again over pensions

News | | Published: 13:55, Friday April 25th, 2014.

Firefighters in Wales will take part in a May Bank Holiday weekend strike, the Fire Brigades Union has announced.

The industrial action is over a pensions dispute.

Firefighters carried out a series of strikes last year to protest against Government plans for a later retirement age, as well as changes to pensions.

Further strike action was then put on hold while talks were held.

The union argues that firefighters in their late 50s face being sacked or seeing their pension reduced by half because of changes to the retirement age.

English and Welsh firefighters will strike on Friday May 2 between noon and 5pm, Saturday May 3 between 2pm and 2am and again in Sunday May 4, between 10am and 3pm.

There will also be a ban on voluntary overtime across England and Wales from 3pm on Sunday May 4 until noon on Friday May 9.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “After three years of negotiations and an intense four months presenting an indisputable, evidence-based case for the need to ensure a pension scheme that takes into account the unique occupation of firefighting, the government is still burying its head in the sand.

“Several members of government were only too keen to praise firefighters during the winter floods, but their words amount to nothing when they simultaneously ignore issues that threaten the future of firefighters and their families.

“Nevertheless, we remain totally committed to resolving the dispute through negotiation, and are ready to meet to consider a workable proposal as soon as possible.”

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service have urged the public to be more vigilant at home and on the roads when the strike takes place.

Rod Hammerton, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, said: “Whilst South Wales Fire and Rescue Authority understand why staff are taking industrial action, the fire and rescue authority has a duty and an obligation to ensure that the provision of services to the public remains as unaffected as is reasonably practicable.

“The strike dates coincide with a Bank Holiday weekend when historically people tend to make the most of the holiday period be it travelling, socialising or barbecuing with family and friends.

“During this period we urge our communities to be extra vigilant as they go about their business, as regrettably the number of SWFRS staff expected to make a protest is high and will also include operational staff.

“This reduction in resources will mean SWFRS will not be able to provide the same high level of response to fires and other emergencies and as such life critical incidents will be responded to as a priority.”

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