Fresh strikes called by firefighters union

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has said its members in England and Wales will strike on Friday, May 2, between noon and 5pm, Saturday, May 3, between 2pm and 2am, and Sunday, May 4, between 10am and 3pm.

There will also be a ban on voluntary overtime across England and Wales from 3pm on Sunday, May 4 until noon on Friday, May 9.

In Scotland there will be a ban on voluntary overtime between noon on Friday, May 2, and noon on Friday. May 9.

The union has already held a series of strikes at plans for a later retirement age and changes to pensions.

Matt Wrack, FBU 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.

“Several members of government were only too keen to praise firefighters during the winter floods, but their words amount to nothing when they simultaneously ignore issues that threaten the future of firefighters and their families.

“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.”

A spokesman for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue said the service would issue a statement once it had received official notice of the strike action.