Several Burnham-On-Sea firefighters are set to join a nationwide strike today (Friday) in a long-running pensions row.
Firefighters across England and Wales are staging strikes on Friday May 2nd, Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th May, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has said.
FBU members – who include some crewmembers in Burnham-On-Sea – will walk out for five hours from 12:00 on 2nd May; between 2pm and 2am on 3rd May; and between 10am and 3pm on 4th May however life-threatening incidents will still be attended.
A statement from the FBU accused the government of “burying its head in the sand”. The union has previously held a series of strikes over plans to introduce a later retirement age plus changes to pensions.
FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: “After three years of negotiations and an intense four months presenting an indisputable, evidence-based case for the need to ensure a pension scheme that takes account the unique occupation of firefighting, the government is still burying its head in the sand.”
“Several members of government were only too keen to praise firefighters during the winter floods, but their words amount to nothing when they simultaneously ignore issues that threaten the future of firefighters and their families.”
Mr Wrack said the union was “totally committed” to finding a solution through negotiation.
Fire Minister Brandon Lewis claims nearly half of firefighters will not be affected by the reforms.
He added: “By calling unnecessary strike action, the FBU has shown it is not serious about finding a resolution to this dispute for its members and stands only to further damage firefighters’ standing with the public.”
