Firefighters to stage three further strikes

Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) will walk out between noon and 5pm tomorrow (Friday); between 2pm and 2am on Saturday and from 10am to 3pm on Sunday. There will also be a ban on voluntary overtime from 3pm on Sunday until noon on Friday May 9.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “After three years of negotiations and an intense four months presenting an indisputable, evidence-based case for the need to ensure a pension scheme that takes into account the unique occupation of firefighting, the government is still burying its head in the sand.

“Several members of government were only too keen to praise firefighters during the winter floods, but their words amount to nothing when they simultaneously ignore issues that threaten the future of firefighters and their families.

“Nevertheless, we remain totally committed to resolving the dispute through negotiation, and are ready to meet to consider a workable proposal as soon as possible.”

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service will provide an emergency response service during the strikes, but at a reduced level.