Hackney firefighters begin four day strike
Firefighters went on strike at 6pm today. - Credit: Archant
Firefighters in Hackney have gone on strike this evening as part of a long-running dispute with the government over pension reforms.
Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) started industrial action at 6pm today and will remain on strike until the same time on Tuesday.
It will be the 47th strike over changes to pensions and takes place in the run up to bonfire night, a traditionally busy period for firefighters as the nation celebrates with firework displays.
A fire contingency service will be in operation during the planned strike, but the London Fire Brigade is urging residents to be careful.
They encourage people to attend organised displays rather than holding their own. If you are planning on holding a private display the Brigade offers safety advice for fireworks and bonfires.
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The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) is working with the London Fire Brigade to support its contingency plan for industrial action.
It will escort fire engines to and from scenes, police strike activity and manage the impact on everyday policing.
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Commander Dave Musker, of the MPS, said: “The MPS is here to protect the public; we do not have the training or capability to deal with fires.
“The police role at the scene of a fire is to facilitate the other emergency services, to enable them to do their job. Police officers are not trained firefighters however their primary concern is to save lives, and any officer in this situation will use their judgement to decide whether a rescue attempt can be made without increasing the risk to their own or other people’s lives.”
