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Firefighters stage 12-hour strike over pensions Firefighters strike for a third day
(about 11 hours later)
Firefighters in England and Wales have staged a 12-hour strike - the latest in a weekend of action over a long-running pensions row. Firefighters in England and Wales are striking for a third day in a row with the government over pensions.
Fire Brigades Union members walked out at 14:00 BST on Saturday following a five-hour strike on Friday. They will also walk out for four hours on Sunday. Fire Brigades Union (FBU) members walked out at 10:00 BST on Sunday and will return at 15:00 BST. It follows strikes on Friday and Saturday.
They oppose plans to increase pension contributions and retirement age.They oppose plans to increase pension contributions and retirement age.
The government says firefighters will still have one of the most generous pension schemes in the public sector. The government said a deal on the table gave firefighters "one of the most generous pension schemes in all the public sector".
The FBU said the strikes were solidly supported, showing the determination of its members to continue their campaign.
Sunday's strike is scheduled to begin at 10:00 BST and last until 15:00 BST.
In Scotland there is a ban on voluntary overtime from noon on Friday until 9 May.In Scotland there is a ban on voluntary overtime from noon on Friday until 9 May.
'Hope' 'Common sense'
The union is angry that firefighters face having to pay higher pension contributions, work into their late 50s before retiring and could be sacked because their fitness declines as they get older. Fire authorities have made other arrangements for fire cover, including hiring contractors and using retained firefighters - on-call firefighters who are mainly based in rural areas.
General secretary Matt Wrack accused the government of drawing up alternative proposals "that might point the way towards a solution" six weeks ago but "sitting on" them ever since. A spokesman for the FBU, which says between 85-90% of UK firefighters are members, estimated that between 35,000-40,000 were on strike on Sunday.
"Nevertheless, firefighters simply want a workable pension scheme and an end to this dispute, and the existence of such proposals gives us hope that an end might be in sight," he said. There were picket lines at the majority of fire stations in England and Wales, he added.
"These strikes have only resumed because of a complete absence of proposals from government. Rather than speculate on the motivations for their behaviour, now that we know costed proposals exist, we call on the minister to send us proposals without any further delay." The union is angry that firefighters face paying higher pension contributions, working into their late 50s before retiring and could be sacked because their fitness declines as they get older.
A spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government said the allegations were "untrue" and alternative proposals were shared with the FBU on 19 March. General secretary Matt Wrack said it was time for the government's "games to stop and common sense to prevail".
"The FBU are fully aware that the proposals required further discussion and consideration, which the government was committed to before the FBU walked away from discussions by calling industrial action." He said it was "very disappointing that we've been forced to hold another three days of strikes".
He added: "This weekend public safety is our prime concern and robust contingency plans are in place to keep people protected." "But nothing will deflect firefighters' resolve when the future of their families - and the fire and rescue service itself - is at stake.
"Just like the current bout of industrial action, future strikes could be avoided simply by the government honouring current pension promises."
He called on ministers to release "proposals for the future that reflect the discussions we've held over the last three years and take account of the evidence we have presented about our occupation".
'Untrue' claims
A Communities and Local Government spokesman said: "The deal on the table gives firefighters one of the most generous pension schemes in all the public sector and the proposals protect the earned rights of a higher proportion of members than any other public sector scheme.
"Nearly three-quarters will see no change in their pension age in 2015."
On Saturday, the department denied FBU claims that the government had drawn up alternative proposals "that might point the way towards a solution" six weeks ago but had been "sitting on" them ever since.
The Department for Communities and Local Government said the allegations were "untrue" and alternative proposals had been shared with the FBU on 19 March.