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Firefighters launch fresh strikes over pension changes Firefighters launch fresh strikes over pension changes
(about 1 hour later)
Firefighters in England and Wales are to launch a fresh wave of strikes in their long-running row with the government over pensions.Firefighters in England and Wales are to launch a fresh wave of strikes in their long-running row with the government over pensions.
Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) will walk out for four hours from 6pm on Friday, and again from the same time on Saturday, with the threat of further action in the new year.Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) will walk out for four hours from 6pm on Friday, and again from the same time on Saturday, with the threat of further action in the new year.
One brigade urged Christmas partygoers to buy takeaway food during the strike rather than try to cook at home if drunk.One brigade urged Christmas partygoers to buy takeaway food during the strike rather than try to cook at home if drunk.
FBU members have gone on strike four times in recent months in protest against changes to pensions and their retirement age. The union argues that older firefighters face losing their jobs if they fail fitness tests as part of changes to the pension age from 55 to 60.FBU members have gone on strike four times in recent months in protest against changes to pensions and their retirement age. The union argues that older firefighters face losing their jobs if they fail fitness tests as part of changes to the pension age from 55 to 60.
The general secretary, Matt Wrack, said: "It's now been almost two months since the government has been willing to meet us for negotiations despite several invitations from us.The general secretary, Matt Wrack, said: "It's now been almost two months since the government has been willing to meet us for negotiations despite several invitations from us.
"Until they do, and until they start to actually resolve the dispute, we'll keep up the pressure for the sake of public safety and our members' pensions."Until they do, and until they start to actually resolve the dispute, we'll keep up the pressure for the sake of public safety and our members' pensions.
"In a week when the full details of a £7,600 pay rise for MPs – which will also increase their pensions – emerged, firefighters' anger at the government's unworkable, unaffordable and unfair proposals will be even greater. No firefighter wants to strike, but we cannot allow the government's ludicrous proposals, and outright hypocrisy, to stand.""In a week when the full details of a £7,600 pay rise for MPs – which will also increase their pensions – emerged, firefighters' anger at the government's unworkable, unaffordable and unfair proposals will be even greater. No firefighter wants to strike, but we cannot allow the government's ludicrous proposals, and outright hypocrisy, to stand."
The union said firefighters in their late 50s face the prospect of being sacked or seeing their pension reduced by almost half. The union said firefighters in their late 50s faced the prospect of being sacked or seeing their pension reduced by almost half.
London Fire Brigade, which will again deploy 27 fire engines to deal with emergencies during the industrial action, urged partygoers to buy takeaway food rather than cook.London Fire Brigade, which will again deploy 27 fire engines to deal with emergencies during the industrial action, urged partygoers to buy takeaway food rather than cook.
Commissioner Ron Dobson said: "I am genuinely concerned about people coming home from pubs or Christmas parties and trying to cook. Alcohol and cooking is a recipe for disaster as it's easy to fall asleep and leave cooking on the hob.Commissioner Ron Dobson said: "I am genuinely concerned about people coming home from pubs or Christmas parties and trying to cook. Alcohol and cooking is a recipe for disaster as it's easy to fall asleep and leave cooking on the hob.
"If you're out drinking on Friday or Saturday, it's much safer to grab a kebab or some chips than trying to cook under the influence.""If you're out drinking on Friday or Saturday, it's much safer to grab a kebab or some chips than trying to cook under the influence."
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