Firefighters set for two more strikes

OLDHAM firefighters will join crews from across England and Wales to stage two more strikes in the run-up to bonfire night.

The move is the latest in a row over pensions, sparked by proposals from the Government for firefighters to work up to the age of 60. The Fire Brigade Union claims 60 is tooo old to still be fighting fires.

FBU members are due to walk out on November 1 and November 4.

Dave German, who is based at Chadderton fire station, who attended a meeting of senior FBU members in Leeds, said: “Matt Wrack, the FBU general secretary, explained where the talks had got to and expressed the fears of the union’s executive council, and the feeling was pretty solid throughout.

“The FBU feels there can be a negotiated settlement because it is quite willing to talk with the Government and employers about the proposals.

“No firefighter in Greater Manchester wants to go on strike, but senior FBU officials are not at a stage to agree what is being asked of firefighters. All our views are evidence based, yet the Government still chooses to ignore what is being said.”