Is this strike action justified?

[kurnal]

Does the current dispute in the fire service justify strike action?

How serious is the current threat to terms and conditions when compared to previous disputes?

Is the threat of sacking the older firefighters without a pension if they become unfit for operational duties really likely to arise?

[Mr. P]

K, I think T&C's are always an ongoing niggle. Changes to them here and there just mount up. 'Is the threat really likely to arise?', I believe it will in some form or other with continuing pressures to make savings. In some cases, even temporary promotions, are not now counted in towards pensionable pay, as the 'extra pay' is paid as an allowance rather than as salary. Ok! So not a great deal of difference but, all these things add up or not as the case may be. It's continous errosion and to those who have started in a job, with a contract, believing that is the way things are for their career...

[Midland Retty]

Yes I do believe there is a credible threat of firefighters being sacked if they become unfit due to age related issues.

Also the dispute is about changing goal posts. Firefighters joined the pension scheme expecting a certain amount at the end of it. Now however the Governement are saying you aren't going to get that amount, or you must work longer for it. Is that fair?

If the Government can change the T&Cs so radically now for existing scheme members now, they can do it again, if they can raise the age now, they can do it again. Where does it end? how far will things be eroded?

How can you plan for your future if the T&Cs and value of your pension is constantly being changed?

[lingmoor]

well yes it is justified...

Putting on fire kit and breathing apparatus and going into a burning building to search and rescue trapped people is something that shouldn't be asked of a 59 year old...I'm 57 and I'm knackered just thinking about it...

What? you can't endure those extreme temperatures wearing that gear with the added stress of the weight of the person you are rescuing?

your fired!!

nice thought

[nearlythere]

Some would say that the FRS pension is one of the best out there. Not as good as a politician's or BBC executive's pension scheme, but absolutely anyone can apply to join up and be part of it.

[AnthonyB]

At least they have the right to strike unlike the police who have to bend over and take it. Changing T&C for new entrants so they can decide whether to join or not before committing themselves is one thing but changing them for existing personnel, who may not have the time left to make alternative provisions for their later years and shouldn't have to is understandably frustrating.

[Dinnertime Dave]

Is the threat of sacking the older firefighters without a pension if they become unfit for operational duties really likely to arise?

kurnal, it is already happening, colleague is being taken down the competency route as an FSO who can't complete his ops commitment due to an injury. He is a very good FSO who never has any time off, but is on modified duties due to the injury.