Final day of fire strikes after week of action

Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) across the area will be on strike from noon to 2pm and from 10.59pm to 11.59pm.

The action is the final day of a week of action as the union continues to dispute government plans to make firefighters work until they are 60 to claim their prension or lose money if they retire early.

Andy Dark, FBU assistant secretary, said: “Government proposals as they stand include a number of unacceptable elements including firefighters being forced to work until 60 – an age at which the enormous physical demands of the job are beyond most of us.

“Both sides have identified that there are possible solutions to these issues but the government is unwilling to amends its proposals.”

Steve Rhodes, West Yorkshire’s assistant chief fire officer, said: “The public of West Yorkshire can rest assured that we will provide the best cover possible.”