Firefighters blazing over training cuts

FIREFIGHTERS have been left fuming after compulsory training was cut because of possible strike action.

Crews were told that retired crew members instead were being trained up to cover in the event of a walk-out.

Fire crews must complete five different modules every year, which includes road accidents and rescues from high buildings.

But firefighters said they have been left in the lurch because their trainers have been seconded to Manchester to work with stand-in crews.

Benefits
A firefighter from the Oldham area, who has served for 28 years, said: “We went to our fire training and were told it was cancelled for the rest of the financial year, but we’ve only done two modules this year.

“We’re not happy. As far as we are concerned, those people taking the part-time positions are scabs.

“They’ve enjoyed their wages and pension benefits but are now taking the place of fellow firefighters who are fighting for their own.”

The firefighter, who did not want to be named, said strike action had not been agreed as negotiations were still ongoing and unions had not balloted members over industrial action.

But he did say that by not completing the five compulsory modules in a year, they feared their pay could be downgraded to recruit level.

He added: “As a member of the public I would be shocked if a firefighter who wasn’t fully trained up dealt with my emergency.”

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) denied the training cuts would be until the end of the financial year (March, 2012).

Deputy County Fire Officer Jim Owen said: “Some training has been cancelled until November 4, as we are recruiting an emergency fire team to provide cover should a national strike take place.

“This is not a decision taken lightly but we have a legal duty to provide sufficient fire cover, no matter what.

“Because the Fire Brigades Union has not ruled out the possibility of a strike over pensions, we have to make sure we have a plan in place. Training would last three weeks, during which time some of our normal training may be cancelled.

“We hope the public and our staff understand that because Green Goddesses and armed forces cannot be used during a national fire strike, we cannot leave the community without sufficient fire cover.”