Government contempt for firefighters' pensions is forcing strike action, says TUC

Commenting ahead of the four-day strike by firefighters in England over government-imposed changes to their pension scheme, the TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady today (Thursday) said:

“Once again the government is showing its contempt for public service workers.  Evidence warns that raising the normal retirement age for firefighters would lead to older fighters facing no job and no pension after years of good service. This same evidence has already led to concessions being made in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland – but the Westminster government has chosen to walk away from the negotiating table.

“We are very concerned about the risks to firefighters, and those who rely on the fire service, when firefighters are forced to stay in front line service until they reach the age of 60.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Clare Santry   T: 020 7467 1372    M: 07717 531150   E: csantry@tuc.org.uk

Tim Nichols   T: 020 7467 1337   M: 07876 452902   E: tnichols@tuc.org.uk