An online petition to save Hertfordshire firefighter, Ashley Brown, from the sack has attracted over 5,000 signatures in under 11days.
The petition calls for the Cheshunt firefighter to be reinstated following his dismissal by Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service for discussing strike action on social media.
The Fire Brigades Union says the father of three, who has served as a firefighter for over 25 years, has suffered financially since being struck off and has had to deal simultaneously with health issues in his family.
Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “The union is shocked and appalled at how Ashley has been treated by his employer.
“His dismissal relates to his use of social media in connection with lawful periods of strike action by firefighters and his comments on social media were not aimed at an individual or the local fire service by name.
“The FBU will continue to support Ashley through this difficult time.”
The union has launched a legal appeal against the dismissal with the aim of insuring that Ashley is reinstated.
A tribunal is due to take place in September.
Members of the FBU, and the trade unions PCS and Unite as well as the Trade Unions Congress have recently donated to a special fund set up to support Ashley and his family.
