Latest editorial
THE government was accused yesterday of putting lives at risk during recent firefighters’ strikes after its reckless contingency plans were leaked.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) denounced the fire authorities as incompetent after it was revealed that only ONE fire engine would be deployed even in the most serious emergency, according to a grid of “suggested response” during strikes.
“Government ministers and senior fire brigade officers have been caught trying to hoodwink the public about the impact of the FBU strikes,” says FBU regional secretary Paul Embery. “They claimed it would be business as usual.”
Since 2010, one in five firefighter jobs has disappeared alongside 30% funding cuts — all while climate breakdown brings record blazes and flooding. It’s time to fund our fire service properly, writes FBU general secretary STEVE WRIGHT
The FBU is demanding 52 weeks of full pay for women firefighters, highlighting the unique health risks they face — and the continuing need to recruit and retain more women if policies like this are still not in place, writes SEONA HART