Firefighters to hold strike over Bank Holiday Weekend

The strikes, which are being held across the UK, will take place today (Friday), between noon and 6pm, Saturday, May 3, from 2pm to 2am and on Sunday, May 4, between 10am and 3pm.

They have been called by the Fire Brigades’ Union (FBU) amid a dispute over pensions.

Matt Wrack, the FBU’s 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.

“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.”

Firefighters at both stations in Hastings and across the UK have staged several strikes since last September.

The Government wants firefighters to work up to 60 rather than retire at the age of 55, as they currently do.