As firefighters in England and Wales undertake another period of strike action over attacks on their pensions, the Fire Brigades Union has received many messages of support.
Frances O’Grady, general secretary of the Trade Union Congress, said: “It is regrettable that the government is still not listening to its own advice or the concerns of firefighters, and is set on imposing these ill-thought out pension changes.
“Firefighters do incredibly dangerous and demanding jobs.
The public – which has nothing but the utmost respect for our emergency services – will be at a loss to understand why ministers think that at 60 firefighters still have the necessary strength and stamina to rescue people from burning buildings.”
Michelle Stanistreet, general secretary of the National Union of Journalists, said: “The National Union of Journalists sends a message of solidarity to members of the FBU who are taking action to fight cuts to the fire and rescue services and who have had an unfair and unworkable pension scheme forced upon them by the government.”
Ian Lawrence, general secretary of the trade union Napo, said: ‘’On behalf of Napo members in probation and the Family Court Service I wanted to send my best wishes to you and our comrades within the FBU in support of your industrial action.
“As always I hope that it will be possible to reach an negotiated outcome with the employer, but I know from the reports given by your representatives at various meetings that I have attended, that you have once again been forced into this situation.
“Please let me know if there is any practical support we might be able to offer.
“Once again my and Napo members best wishes for a successful day’s action and outcome to your dispute.”
Steve Gillan, general secretary of prisoner officers’ trade union POA, said: “FBU members are quite correct in taking strike action for pension justice.
“The POA pay tribute to firefighters making a stand against this injustice.
“Prison officers are in the same position with linkage of retirement to the state pension a position that we will not accept and will continue to campaign and take direct action until we obtain pension justice.
“I will be joining an FBU picket line today in Edmonton and will make our offices accessible for firefighters to use throughout the 24 hour period for refreshments.”
Mick Cash, RMT acting general secretary, said: “RMT fully support the FBU in their struggle for justice.
“We believe it is scandalous that the government are treating public servants who put their lives at risk day in and day out in this way.
“Our members work closely with fire-fighters at incidents and we are confident that your determined action will win the day.
“Solidarity.”
Mark Serwotka, general secretary of the Public and Commercial Services Union, said:
“PCS fully supports FBU members in stepping up their campaign against the minister’s intransigent refusal to negotiate.
“Firefighters have our full solidarity in opposing the government’s plans to make people work until they drop.
The United Road Transport Union also sent a message of support, saying: “We welcome the opportunity to send a message of solidarity, on behalf of all URTU members, to our brothers and sisters at the FBU taking part in 24-hour strike action.”
A spokesperson for the University and College Union said: “Firefighters have now been forced into full day strikes because of the minister’s refusal to negotiate properly over pensions.
“FBU members defending their pensions and the pensions of future firefighters have the full support of UCU.
“This dispute has been brought about because of the government’s refusal to once again listen to the concerns of a workforce hit with higher pension costs and declining real-term wages.”
John McDonnell, MP for Hayes and Harlington, said: “I send my support and solidarity to all FBU members taking action today.
“Firefighters across the country are striking because when Government ministers refuse to listen there is in other option.
“We need the Coalition to start taking these negotiations seriously.
“Until they do, we will keep on campaigning. You have my 100% support.”
Jim Quinn, secretary for the FBU in N Ireland — where the government’s willingness to negotiate has prevented industrial action — sent a message “of solidarity from all FBU members in Northern Ireland as fellow members in the rest of the UK embark on another period of strikes and industrial action in defence of pensions.”
Sharon Riley, who represents FBU members working in control centres on the union’s executive council, said: “On behalf of our control members, and the control staff national committee we wish you all good luck for the latest period of industrial action in defence of your pensions. “Stay strong together and let’s hope common sense will prevail.” Jan Willem Goudriaan, general secretary of the European Federation of Public Service Unions, said: “EPSU expresses to you and your members its full-hearted solidarity. “We have followed the three-year campaign over pension rights for firefighters and support fully the objectives of the actions. It is not acceptable that firefighters who are forced to retire before the age of 60 as a result of ageing ill have half of their pension taken away. Firefighting is a hazardous job and firefighters should not approach retirement fearful about their financial position. “We understand too your concerns over increasing numbers of firefighters that are considering to leave the pension scheme as a result of its decreasing affordability. “We hope that the UK Government and employers will change their position and put forward constructive proposals to end the dispute that guarantee firefighters’ can work and retire with the dignity and employment rights they deserve.”
