The FBU has received several messages of support from other trade unions and organisations as well as members of the public.
Peter Hammarin, head of department at Kommunal, the Swedish Municipal Workers’ Union, said that his organisation thought that the government’s proposals were “unreasonable”
“We support the FBU and your members’ industrial actions this week in your fight for your pension rights,” Hammarin said.
“After three years of negotiations, we sincerely hope that your nationwide strikes in England and Wales will make the government representatives understand the importance of this matter.
“Kommunal supports your struggle for fair pension rights and fair terms and conditions for your members and we wish you a successful outcome!”
Zdenek J Oberreiter, chairman of the Czech Firefighters Union, said: “We are carefully watching your fight with the government.
“It is a shame that they do not seek the way how to improve or at least maintain your current working conditions and social security.
“It is the UK government that is walking away from talks, not your union. They do not seek an optimal way to resolve issues.
“But despite this fact you are putting your lives in danger every day.
“Higher workloads due to lower numbers of firefighters and the attacks on your pay and pensions not only threaten to worsen your situation but they also threaten the future of your families.
“The UK government actually threatens the security of your society.
“We support your efforts to continue to be beneficial to the public in England and Wales every day.
“We condemn the plans of this government against you and are in solidarity with you on the next eight consecutive days.
‘The Czech Firefighters Union and I personally wish you success.”
