Firefighters begin eight consecutive days of strike action

The strikes are in support of the Fire Brigades Union campaign against changes to pensions proposed by the Department of Communities and Local Government.

The Fire Brigades Union has been in negotiations with the government for three years in an attempt to avoid the implementation of proposals that they say would see firefighters paying more, working longer and receiving less.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “The government must realise that firefighters cannot accept proposals that would have such devastating consequences for their futures, their families’ futures — and the future of the fire and rescue service itself.

“We have tried every route available to us to make the government see sense over their attacks.

“Three years of negotiations have come to nothing because the government is simply unwilling to compromise or even listen to reason despite a huge amount of evidence showing their planned scheme is unworkable.

“Shorter strike periods have illustrated the strength of feeling amongst firefighters whilst limiting disruption to the fire service, the public and our members’ working lives.

“But the government is merely ploughing ahead, forcing firefighters to react.”

Strike Action Times:
Monday 14 July: 6am–8am and 5pm–7pm
Tuesday 15 July: 6am–8am and 5pm–7pm
Wednesday 16 July: 6am–8am and 5pm–7pm
Thursday 17 July: 6am–8am and 5pm–7pm
Friday 18 July: 6am–8am and 11pm–1am on Saturday 19 July
Saturday 19 July: 11am–1pm and 11pm–1am on Sunday 20 July
Sunday 20 July: 5pm–7pm
Monday 21 July: 6am–8am and 5pm–7pm