Yesterday, Avon Fire Authority voted through proposals to cut 40 wholetime (full time) firefighter posts and reduce fire engine crews from 5 firefighters to 4 across the service.
Representatives of the Fire Brigades Union condemned the cuts as ‘dangerous and irresponsible’ in an address to the Fire Authority, with firefighters attending in opposition to the plans.
The recommendations passed by vote are the result of Avon Fire and Rescue Service commissioning a project seeking to make budget cuts.
Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary said:
If implemented these cuts will put lives at risk, and the Fire Brigades Union will fiercely resist them. Slashing the number of firefighters in Avon will push an overstretched service to breaking point.
It is absurd for Simon Shilton to argue that these cuts are the result of last year’s pay award. No other fire authority is making cuts of this kind using this excuse. Mr Shilton and Avon Fire Authority need to take responsibility for this situation and step back from the brink.
Earlier this year, our members won a reversal of millions of pounds worth of cuts in Nottingham. It can be done.
Firefighters have the determination and resolve to protect their communities daily. We will fight this austerity every step of the way.”
Dave Roberts, FBU South West regional secretary said:
Avon Fire Authority has voted to put cost-cutting before public and firefighter safety. Our firefighters are already working under immense pressure to save lives and homes. Instead of the investment our service urgently needs, we now face further swingeing cuts.
Firefighters across the region are furious at this shameful decision. The residents of Avon have the right to a fire service that is equipped to keep them safe.
We will do everything in our power to fight these dangerous cuts.”
