Firefighters to continue strike action

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) is currently in dispute with the Government over changes to the firefighters’ pension scheme and conditions of service.

The strike, organised by the FBU, will take place between noon and 5pm on Friday, between 2pm and 2am on Saturday, and between 10am and 3pm on Sunday.

Mark Ross, watch manager at Shoreham Fire Station, said: “Not everybody will be on strike. As far as the local community is concerned, there will be fire cover.

“There will be a mix of full-time and retained firefighters keeping fire engines available.”

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said the union remained totally committed to resolving the dispute through negotiation.

He 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.”

The message from West Sussex County Council to residents and businesses is to take extra care.

The council’s website says: “You should still dial 999 in an emergency but you can help by reducing the demand on emergency services, especially during industrial action.”

Visit www.westsussex.gov.uk and search for Fire and Rescue for more information.