Pension talks with government fail to reach compromise
Firefighters in England and Wales are preparing for their first national strike in more than a decade after pension talks broke down between the government and the Fire Brigades Union.
Eight out of ten FBU members have already voted to walk out if planned pension changes go ahead.
Ministers want to increase the age at which firefighters can draw their full pension to 60-years-old, but the union has argued that many firefighters would not be able to maintain fitness standards into their late 50s and this would endanger the public.
Ongoing talks between the union and politicians over the issue have failed to reach a compromise.
“As a result of the refusal of governments in Westminster and Cardiff to see sense on firefighter pensions, it now appears that strike action is unavoidable in England and Wales,” said FBU general secretary Matt Wrack.
“Almost 80 per cent of firefighters voted in favour of industrial action if no progress could be made, and we have tried everything to avoid strike action being necessary.”
However, a break-through in negotiations with the Scottish government means that industrial action there is off the table – for now.
Wrack added: “Although we are some way from an agreement, the Scottish government’s decision to engage positively with firefighters, offer improved proposals and not set any arbitrary deadlines for talks demonstrates that progress can be made through talks when both sides are willing.”
Meanwhile, firefighters in London are continuing to battle against proposals to shut 10 stations in the capital, putting 552 jobs at risk.
The row has taken a new political turn, with seven local authorities backing a threat by Tower Hamlets council to take legal action against the Mayor’s office over the cuts.