Brighton and Hove firefighters to join national strike next week
Fire fighters in Brighton and Hove are due to strike for three days from next Friday (2 May) as part of a long-running national dispute over pensions.
Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) are expected to walk out from
- noon to 5pm next Friday
- 2pm on Saturday 3 May until 2am on Sunday 4 May
- from 10am until 3pm on Sunday 4 May
They are also likely to observe an FBU ban on voluntary overtime from 3pm on Sunday 4 May until noon on Tuesday 9 May.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service urged businesses and the public to take extra precautions such as checking smoke alarms.
Chief Fire Officer Des Prichard said: “We are ready to provide cover during the strike action.
“Crews made up of non-FBU members and retained firefighters will respond to emergencies, giving priority to those where lives are at risk.
“While we are committed to doing all we can to protect those who live and work, the level of cover will be reduced and so we need your help to stay safe.
“Businesses should check their fire safety measures and homeowners can do simple things like check their smoke alarms and taking extra care while cooking.
“Our advice remains the same if you do have a fire, get out, stay out and dial 999.”
FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said in a letter to Fire Minister Brandon Lewis: “It will not be lost on firefighters that following the winter floods, our members were praised by various members of the government.
“It will inevitably appear to many observers that such praise is of little value when vital issues affecting the future of firefighters and their families are ignored and unresolved.
“Nevertheless, we remain totally committed to resolving this long-running dispute through negotiation.”
