Firefighters to strike again in pension row

Firefighters at Wakefield Fire Station took part in strike action in September.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) will walk out for four hours from 6pm tonight (Friday) and again on Saturday, December 14.

The government wants to raise firefighters’ retirement age from 55 to 60 and to increase their individual pension contributions.

Firefighters have already held four strikes over the issue since September.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “Expecting men and women at the age of 60 to meet the same fitness standards required of 20-year-olds is just not logical.”

The union claims the changes will see firefighters made redundant if they fail their fitness tests.

FBU members have also voted in favour of taking action short of a strike, such as the withdrawal of goodwill.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said it was working with the union and the government to try and resolve the situation.

Dave Walton, assistant chief officer, said: “Naturally, we are disappointed with the result of the ballot which the union has announced in support of their campaign on firefighters pensions.”