Firefighters across the country, including here on the Isle of Wight, will strike again this month as the dispute over pensions with the government continues.
Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) will walk out between 18:00 and 22:00 on both Friday 13th and Saturday 14th December. During this period, the Island’s fire cover will be reduced and manned by non-union members.
The FBU General Secretary, Matt Wrack, said:
“The Government’s plans are to create a pension scheme which takes no account of the physically demanding job firefighters do and the fire service fitness standards they need to meet. Expecting men and women at the age of 60 to meet the same fitness standards required of 20-year-olds is just not logical.
“Unfortunately the Government is ignoring all the evidence on this issue, including its own reports. It is a callous way to treat men and woman who have put their lives on the line to protect others.”
Since September, firefighters have been on strike a total of four times.
Matt continued by saying:
“We cannot stand by and do nothing as our members’ conditions of service are eroded. The Government has refused to take account of the issue, confining itself to issuing misleading propaganda about ‘generous pensions’. These strikes are intended to ensure we cannot be ignored.”
Article continues below this advertisement
