The Fire Brigades’ Union (FBU) has announced details of its latest planned industrial action in relation to its national dispute over pensions with central government.
Members of the FBU plan to hold two further strikes this week, on Thursday (12th June) from 9am to 9am on Friday (13th June), and again on Saturday 21st June, from 10am to 5pm.
Should they go ahead these planned strikes will be the 13th and 14th to take place in the dispute over reform of firefighter pension schemes, since September 2013.
The Government’s decision to withdraw military support during periods of industrial action means that for the past five years fire authorities across the country have had to plan and prepare to be self-reliant.
Fire authorities have a statutory responsibility to provide business continuity plans in the event of industrial action by their staff. To fulfil this responsibility Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service has robust plans in place to provide a fire and rescue emergency response from strategic locations across County Durham and Darlington Borough.
The service will use trained fire officers to both drive and staff fire appliances along with other emergency response vehicles during any period of national strike action.
These staff are professional firefighters with years of experience responding to fires and other emergencies. The officers will work alongside non FBU firefighters who will be working as normal and staff who choose not to participate in any strike action.
Although there will be fewer fire appliances available during the strike action, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service is confident that the level of emergency response that can be provided will be adequate.
The plan is not designed to replicate the excellent service that firefighters provide every day of the week. However, it does aim to provide a professional emergency response during periods of industrial action.
In the lead up to the strikes, the service will continue to raise awareness of fire and other risks within the local community and with businesses across County Durham and Darlington.
The service’s website at www.ddfire.gov.uk will carry information about the strike action as well as practical information for the public, businesses and organisations about how to stay safe. Updates are also available via www.twitter.com/CDDFRS and www.facebook.com/CoDurhamAndDarlingtonFireAndRescueService
