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25/02/2015
Firefighters Begin 24-Hour Strike Action
Firefighters in England have started a 24-hour work stoppage in an ongoing dispute over changes to their pensions.
Fire crews across the country walked out at 07:00 on Wednesday, and are due to hold a rally in Westminster later today.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said that proposed changes to firefighters pensions and retirement age are "unworkable".
The FBU claims that the government repeatedly gave assurances to Parliament that a firefighter, over the age of 55, who failed a fitness test through no fault of their own would receive a full, unreduced pension or a redeployed role.
However, "fire authorities and the Fire and Rescue Service national employers have confirmed there is no guarantee", the FBU alleges.
"Firefighters are justifiably angry with how this government is treating them," Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said.
"MPs, the public and firefighters were completely misled and given a false guarantee in order to pass the legislation. This is wrong.
"Firefighters will be protesting in parliament to make their voices heard. They will be asking David Cameron what he is going to do to ensure his government delivers its guarantee. We will not accept these lies – If they can lie to firefighters they can lie to anyone and everyone."
(MH/CD)
Fire crews across the country walked out at 07:00 on Wednesday, and are due to hold a rally in Westminster later today.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said that proposed changes to firefighters pensions and retirement age are "unworkable".
The FBU claims that the government repeatedly gave assurances to Parliament that a firefighter, over the age of 55, who failed a fitness test through no fault of their own would receive a full, unreduced pension or a redeployed role.
However, "fire authorities and the Fire and Rescue Service national employers have confirmed there is no guarantee", the FBU alleges.
"Firefighters are justifiably angry with how this government is treating them," Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said.
"MPs, the public and firefighters were completely misled and given a false guarantee in order to pass the legislation. This is wrong.
"Firefighters will be protesting in parliament to make their voices heard. They will be asking David Cameron what he is going to do to ensure his government delivers its guarantee. We will not accept these lies – If they can lie to firefighters they can lie to anyone and everyone."
(MH/CD)
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25 October 2013
Firefighters Re-Commit To Strike Action
In an ongoing dispute over pensions, firefighters in England and Wales have committed to two more strikes in the run-up to bonfire night. The dispute is centred around the government wanting firefighters to work until aged 60, but the Fire Brigades Union has argued that this is too old to be fighting fires.
Firefighters Re-Commit To Strike Action
In an ongoing dispute over pensions, firefighters in England and Wales have committed to two more strikes in the run-up to bonfire night. The dispute is centred around the government wanting firefighters to work until aged 60, but the Fire Brigades Union has argued that this is too old to be fighting fires.
19 May 2003
Unison chief backs FBU as talks get underway
The general secretary of the UK’s largest union has called on the government to stop seeking to impose a settlement on firefighters. Dave Prentis, Unison General Secretary, urged the government to stop "raising the temperature" in the firefighters' dispute by seeking to impose a settlement.
Unison chief backs FBU as talks get underway
The general secretary of the UK’s largest union has called on the government to stop seeking to impose a settlement on firefighters. Dave Prentis, Unison General Secretary, urged the government to stop "raising the temperature" in the firefighters' dispute by seeking to impose a settlement.
13 June 2003
Strike ends as FBU accept 16% pay rise
The firefighters nine-month strike has finally ended after union officials agreed to accept a 16% pay rise linked with modernisation – bringing average pay for qualified fireman to £25,000 a year. The FBU agreed an increase of 4% for all ranks to be backdated to November 7, and from October 31, a 7% increase will be imposed, followed by a 4.
Strike ends as FBU accept 16% pay rise
The firefighters nine-month strike has finally ended after union officials agreed to accept a 16% pay rise linked with modernisation – bringing average pay for qualified fireman to £25,000 a year. The FBU agreed an increase of 4% for all ranks to be backdated to November 7, and from October 31, a 7% increase will be imposed, followed by a 4.
08 May 2009
Heroic Tyne Firemen Honoured
Two Tyne and Wear firefighters are to be recognised for their bravery at a special ceremony today. Andrew Nelson and Allan Richardson will be presented with the Chief Fire Officer's Commendations for brave and meritorious conduct after saving a man's life. The men took part in a dramatic rescue in the early hours of 4 February.
Heroic Tyne Firemen Honoured
Two Tyne and Wear firefighters are to be recognised for their bravery at a special ceremony today. Andrew Nelson and Allan Richardson will be presented with the Chief Fire Officer's Commendations for brave and meritorious conduct after saving a man's life. The men took part in a dramatic rescue in the early hours of 4 February.
31 August 2006
Firefighters launch four-day strike
More than 1,000 firefighters across Merseyside have begun a four-day strike in protest over planned job cuts. Another four-day stoppage is scheduled to begin two hours after the first one ends.
Firefighters launch four-day strike
More than 1,000 firefighters across Merseyside have begun a four-day strike in protest over planned job cuts. Another four-day stoppage is scheduled to begin two hours after the first one ends.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
