Latest 24-hour strike by Shropshire firefighters underway
A 24-hour strike by firefighters who are members of the Fire Brigades Union began at 7am this morning.
The strike is the latest action in a long-running dispute between the Fire Brigades Union and central government over proposed changes to firefighters’ pensions and retirement rules.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue has 23 fire stations across the county, but the strike will predominately affect “whole-time” fire stations in Shrewsbury and Telford.
The service's 19 “on-call” fire stations are staffed by part-time crews and are much less likely to be affected by today's industrial action.
Part-time crews not involved in the dispute will staff two additional fire engines to provide extra protection in Shrewsbury and Telford during the 24 hour stoppage.
Shropshire’s chief fire officer, John Redmond said contingency plans are in place that will enable Shropshire Fire and Rescue to deliver as normal a service as possible.
“Our contingency plans are focussed on providing a service that is as near normal as possible during this industrial action and our top priority will be to respond to calls where a life may be in danger or urgent rescue is needed. The public can help us do that by asking themselves if they have a real emergency before dialling 999,” John Redmond said.
