Fire Brigades Union announces more strikes

Firefighters will strike on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union will walk out at 7pm until midnight on Tuesday, December 24.

And again at 6.30pm on Tuesday, December 31, until 12.30am on New Year’s Day as their row with the government over changes to firefighters’ pensions continues.

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A further strike has been planned for between 6.30am and 8.30am on Friday, January 3.

Matt Wrack, FBU General Secretary, said: “Firefighters provide a first-class standard of service 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, and these strikes will remind government just how reliant they are on our members’ professionalism, commitment and flexibility.

“However, there should be no need for industrial action, and it’s absurd that firefighters’ concerns over pensions have not been addressed already.

“The government must stop claiming they are negotiating when they have refused to talk for two months and insist on forcing through proposals that are unaffordable, unworkable and unfair.

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“By simply conceding common sense and allowing firefighters a fair deal, the government could end this industrial action today.”

FBU members have also voted to withdraw their goodwill and members working in control centres have refused to work voluntary overtime between 7pm on Friday, December 27, and 7pm on Sunday, December 29.

The government wants to raise firefighters’ retirement age from 55 to 60 and raise the amount they contribute to their pensions.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority has urged people to be extra cautious during the strike action.