On the same day that dangerous frontline cuts were forced through by Devon & Somerset Fire Authority, despite enormous public and professional opposition, there was also dramatic news regarding the unprecedented attack on Firefighters pension rights. After almost 2 years of negotiations the Government has pulled the plug on negotiations and told Firefighters that they either accept the latest proposal or lose everything.The government’s proposals will mean mass sackings as thousands of firefighters become older and are no longer fit enough to meet the fitness standards to do the job. Expecting large numbers of 60 year olds to fight fires and rescue families is not just ludicrous: it’s dangerous to the public and to firefighters. The government’s own review says that half of 50-54 year old firefighters and two-thirds of 55-60 year old firefighters are below minimum recommended fitness levels for the job. Firefighting is a uniquely dangerous and physically demanding profession, these changes will compromise firefighter safety. These changes are therefore unacceptable: the government shouldn’t penalise those willing to put their lives on the line to save others. The union has therefore had no choice but to launch a strike vote this summer and we are asking all FBU members to vote Yes in the ballot. None of us want a strike, but we cannot compromise on public and firefighter safety. We hope common sense prevails, and the government returns to the negotiating table.
Posted on: Fri, 12 Jul 2013 14:19:38 +0000
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