Menu
16/02/2006
Government makes late bid to avert firefighters' strike
Firefighters have been offered a late deal by the Government in a bid to avert industrial action over the issue of pensions.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has received new proposals ahead of a conference in Southport aimed at deciding whether to ballot more than 50,000 firefighters on industrial action. FBU General Secretary, Matt Wrack, has warned that there is wide resentment among firefighters over the Government’s proposals to raise the retirement age from 50 to 55.
However, ministers have put forward an offer to ‘ringfence’ a retirement age of 50 for firefighters with 30 years’ service, while retained firefighters will also be awarded improved pension rights.
It is thought that the FBU will use the conference to recommend delaying the ballot for industrial action. However, some union activists are urging the union to put more pressure on the Government to amend its plans to change ill health pensions, warning that acceptance of the current proposals could lead to worse pension rights for new recruits, as well as weakened injury benefits for current firefighters.
(CL)
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has received new proposals ahead of a conference in Southport aimed at deciding whether to ballot more than 50,000 firefighters on industrial action. FBU General Secretary, Matt Wrack, has warned that there is wide resentment among firefighters over the Government’s proposals to raise the retirement age from 50 to 55.
However, ministers have put forward an offer to ‘ringfence’ a retirement age of 50 for firefighters with 30 years’ service, while retained firefighters will also be awarded improved pension rights.
It is thought that the FBU will use the conference to recommend delaying the ballot for industrial action. However, some union activists are urging the union to put more pressure on the Government to amend its plans to change ill health pensions, warning that acceptance of the current proposals could lead to worse pension rights for new recruits, as well as weakened injury benefits for current firefighters.
(CL)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 August 2007
Human Remains Found At Hotel Fire Site
Police and fire investigation teams searching the debris of a Cornish hotel destroyed by fire have found human remains. The blaze tore through the Penhallow Hotel in Newquay just after midnight on Saturday. A 43-year-old man died in the blaze.
Human Remains Found At Hotel Fire Site
Police and fire investigation teams searching the debris of a Cornish hotel destroyed by fire have found human remains. The blaze tore through the Penhallow Hotel in Newquay just after midnight on Saturday. A 43-year-old man died in the blaze.
11 October 2013
Firefighters In England And Wales To Strike Over Pensions
Firefighters in England and Wales will strike again over government attacks on pensions on Saturday 19 October, the Fire Brigades Union has announced. The strike will last for five hours, between 6.30pm and 11.30pm on Saturday 19 October.
Firefighters In England And Wales To Strike Over Pensions
Firefighters in England and Wales will strike again over government attacks on pensions on Saturday 19 October, the Fire Brigades Union has announced. The strike will last for five hours, between 6.30pm and 11.30pm on Saturday 19 October.
15 April 2003
Union leaders reject pay deal for firefighters
Union leaders have overwhelmingly voted to reject the latest package on pay and conditions made by employers to the UK firefighters. However, Fire Brigades Union (FBU) leader Andy Gilchrist is expected to tell firefighters later today that taking industrial action before the complete cessation of the Iraqi conflict would be counterproductive.
Union leaders reject pay deal for firefighters
Union leaders have overwhelmingly voted to reject the latest package on pay and conditions made by employers to the UK firefighters. However, Fire Brigades Union (FBU) leader Andy Gilchrist is expected to tell firefighters later today that taking industrial action before the complete cessation of the Iraqi conflict would be counterproductive.
20 October 2014
100 Firefighters Tackle Blaze At Didcot B
An investigation is underway into a major fire at Didcot B power station in Oxfordshire. A fire was reported at the station at about 20:00 on Sunday night, with more than 100 firefighters and 25 fire engines on the scene at the height of the blaze.
100 Firefighters Tackle Blaze At Didcot B
An investigation is underway into a major fire at Didcot B power station in Oxfordshire. A fire was reported at the station at about 20:00 on Sunday night, with more than 100 firefighters and 25 fire engines on the scene at the height of the blaze.
19 October 2012
Flights Suspended At Glasgow Airport Following Emergency
Four people were injured during an emergency evacuation of a plane at Glasgow Airport around 07.40 on Friday morning. All flights to and from the airport are currently suspended. Passengers and crew left the aircraft using the emergency exits after the captain of an Alicante-bound Jet2 aircraft declared an emergency.
Flights Suspended At Glasgow Airport Following Emergency
Four people were injured during an emergency evacuation of a plane at Glasgow Airport around 07.40 on Friday morning. All flights to and from the airport are currently suspended. Passengers and crew left the aircraft using the emergency exits after the captain of an Alicante-bound Jet2 aircraft declared an emergency.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
