Home   News   Article

Subscribe Now

Contingency measures to be brought in for second time as fire union confirms another strike





Between 6.30pm and 11.30pm on Saturday, October 19, a number of firefighters at the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) will be withdrawing their services following changes to their pension scheme which they claim are “unworkable”.
The strike involves members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), and is the second time it has taken action in less than a month as it held a four-hour strike from noon till 4pm on September 25.
Seventy eight per cent of union members voted for the initial strike action, however, union officials have now said that the first strike did not achieve the desired outcome.
The emergency crews took part in training crash courses in September, but the total number involved has not been confirmed by the service.
A number of full-time firfighters had also signed a contract agreeing not to take part in strike action, however this number has also not been confirmed.
Those who put themselves forward for the training will be able to deal with routine incidents such as extinguishing grass fires, however more serious incidents such as rescues will still be dealt with by professional crews.
Chief fire officer, Andy Fry, who took up the post on Monday, said: “I want to reassure the public that we will be answering emergency calls and responding to life risk incidents but we are asking people to reduce demand by calling us only in a genuine emergency during any periods of industrial action.
"We have continuity plans in place, however, there is inevitably going to be an impact on our usual response times.
“We would urge people to help us during the planned strike periods, to reduce unnecessary calls and also to take extra precautions to prevent fires in their own homes and businesses.
“We are also asking everyone to take extra care when driving.
“Please only consider calling 999 if there is a genuine need for a fire engine as we will prioritise calls where a life may be at risk or someone needs to be rescued.
“There are a number of ways that residents can protect themselves.
“Ensuring smoke alarms are properly installed and working is the number one lifesaver and will give people vital warning of fires in their home.
“People should take extra care with using candles, during cooking or with electrical items. If you do have a fire, our advice remains to get out of the house, stay out and call 999.”
FBU general secretary, Matt Wrack, said: “We had hoped our first strike was enough to show government that firefighters could not be more serious about protecting public safety and ensuring fair pensions.
“No firefighter wants to strike, and it’s desperately disappointing that governments in Westminster and Cardiff continue to deny reality over pensions costs and the need for a pension scheme that reflects the job firefighters do.
“Firefighters simply cannot be expected to fight fires and rescue families in their late-50s and into their 60s, and should not pay far worse ratios employer-employee contributions than those in the public or private sector.
“We hope this second strike will mean both governments will be willing to discuss the full range of concerns that firefighters and the general public have expressed.
“However, more strikes cannot be ruled out if that’s what it takes to protect public and firefighter safety from these ludicrous attacks.”



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More