Firefighters to begin four day strike this evening
We are being urged to be extra vigilant during the firefighters’ four day strike in Shropshire which starts at 6pm this evening.
The Fire Brigade Union is involved in a protracted dispute over plans to make firefighters’ work until they are 60 instead of 55, pay more into their pensions and get less in retirement.
Telford and Shrewsbury will be affected as members of the Fire Brigade Union are called to take strike action from Friday evening until Tuesday at 6pm with a scheduled return to work in time for bonfire night.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Rod Hammerton assured the Shropshire public that the fire service would respond as normal in the event of an emergency due to contingency arrangements that had been put in place.
But he stressed the need for everyone to take extra care during the strike.
“It is the longest period of strike action yet and this will test the resilience plans of Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service but we are prepared and if anyone calls in an emergency we will respond,” said Mr Hammerton.
The county’s on-call firefighters, who provide fire cover across rural parts of the county and are not involved in the dispute, will crew two extra fire engines to provide more protection in Telford and Shrewsbury during the strike.
“Senior managers of Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service are unable to affect the outcome of this dispute because it is between the Fire Brigade Union and Central Government but we do hope to see a resolution as soon as possible.
“At this time our focus is on providing fire and rescue cover for our communities and I am confident our plans can do that. However I do urge the public to be extra vigilant with their own safety, particularly at a time when many of us are enjoying bonfire night celebrations,” added Mr Hammerton.
