Dick Murray, Transport Correspondent for the London Evening Standard filed this report:
London firefighters are to stage two crippling one-day strikes starting on 23 October, it was announced today.
The first strike, in which London will only be served by 27 fire engines, will be followed by a further stoppage on Monday 1 November with the warning of more to come after that.
Each strike will be for eight hours starting at 10am and finishing at 6pm.
It threatens the worst strikes by firefighters since the national stoppage eight years ago when troops were deployed – but they won’t be used this time.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) insists it has contingency measures in place to deal with emergency situations – the capital remains on high alert as a result of the continuing terrorist threat.
The LFB has already withdrawn 27 fire engines – almost a fifth of London’s fleet – and has them ready to use during strike days. (…)
While troops were used eight years ago the government has since changed the criteria by withdrawing military support from the UK’s 46 fire and rescue services during any period where business was disrupted – including strikes. Military resources are now needed overseas.
Individual fire brigades are legally required to make their own contingency plans.
Read entire article HERE
Additional articles:
Tristan Kirk (2010 Oct 16) War of words over London firefighters’ intention to strike. Enfield Independent
Brian Coleman, chairman of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority, which governs London Fire Brigade, called for dialogue to resolve the dispute.
He said: “Firefighters are going to be striking over plans to reduce a 15 hour night shift by three hours, and add those three hours to a 9 hour day shift.
“That is all these proposals seek to do, no station closures, no increase in hours and no change to the four day rest period between shifts.
“This is about making more time in the day for vital training and fire prevention work.
“We’ve been discussing this for five years and have offered to compromise, so it’s time for the FBU to stop blocking these changes.”
Note from Mike Ward: The proposal is to fire every firefighter and re-hire them under a different labor agreement.
Mike “Fossilmedic” Ward
Also on FireGeezer…
- Busiest Time for London Fire Brigade – August 13, 2011
- More downsizing? – April 23, 2012
- Don’t drink and fry … Flee and Clueless … from the London Fire Brigade – March 16, 2012
- London Ambulance Service goes back to manual call taking – June 8, 2011
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