| The FBU is threatening further strikes after the success of yesterday’s action. The union says 32,000 of its members yesterday afternoon walked out for four hours in England and Wales over government plans which would see them required to work until 60 before receiving a full pension. Firefighters are concerned they could be sacked – thus missing out on their pension – if their employer deems them unfit for work. FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: “This strike action was solidly supported 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.” Throughout the day messages of support flooded in to the strikers. Hayes and Harlington MP John McDonnell said: “Firefighters have my 100% backing for the industrial action they have been forced to take this week and I will be joining local FBU picket lines to support my local firefighters in their campaign to protect their pension rights. “All the evidence demonstrates the physically arduous and dangerous nature of the work firefighters undertake. Forcing these dedicated professionals to work beyond their physical capacity not only puts their health at risk it also increases the risk to safety of the general public. I am urging the government to see sense and get back to the negotiating table for constructive discussion to resolve this dispute.” TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “There are many reasons why the government shouldn’t be pressing ahead with these unfair and ill-thought out changes, with concerns about the likely impact on safety surely top of the list. “Being able to save people from burning buildings or rescue them from the scene of a multiple vehicle pile-up requires not just bravery, but a good deal of physical strength too.” Vaxhaull MP Kate Hoey said: “No-one should be expected to do what firefighters do without being fully fit. “The age limit has worked well and I would urge the Fire Minister to recognise that not only will firefighters’ health be put at risk, but the general public will be at risk too if these changes are forced through. “Common sense demands that the government get round the negotiating table again to solve this dispute as soon as possible.” URTU general secretary Robert Monks said: “We are forever appreciative of the hazardous work that FBU members undertake to ensure the safety of road users in the UK.” PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “PCS offers its full solidarity to FBU members in their strike today in defence of the vital service they provide to us all. “The attack on your pensions is the same attack made by government across the public sector, which seeks to recover the costs of the bank crash from the pockets of tomorrow’s pensioners. It is an assault on your members, their future and the vital public service they deliver heroically.” MU general secretary John Smith said: “The MU sends it’s solidarity and support to all FBU members in their struggle for fair pensions and a sensible and reasonable retirement age.” UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: ”We stand side by side with these frontline public service workers who do a dangerous and physically demanding job on behalf of us all. “The government should feel ashamed to reward this example of the public service ethos at its best, with a threat to force firefighters to work on beyond their physical capacity or face the sack if they are unable to do so. “We send our solidarity and support to all striking firefighters today and wish them well in their action.” - See more at: http://union-news.co.uk/2013/09/firefighters-threaten-strikes-pensions/#sthash.q38enWPa.dpuf |