UK firefighters to stage 4th strike over pensions

Firefighters in England and Wales are set to stage a strike for the fourth time in a row with the British government over pensions.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) will walk out for some four hours on Wednesday in a dispute over pensions and an extension to the service’s retirement age.

The FBU accused British officials of trying to “punish” firefighters for taking early retirement, arguing that the government’s pension scheme has failed to include physical requirements of the firemen’s role.

“After 35 years of service, and paying at least £4,000 a year, firefighters could now receive just over £9,000 a year or the sack simply because fitness declines as they get older,” said FBU general secretary Matt Wrack.

Wrack also criticized the Tory-led government for ignoring calls to settle the issue of firefighters through negotiations.

Under the coalition government’s new proposals, firefighters in England will get their full pension at the age of 60.

Moreover, significant reduction will be imposed on firefighter pension benefits with those retired or forced out of work at the age of 55 losing about 50 percent of their pensions.

Earlier this month, firefighters took part in an industrial action for the third time to protest against government plans to increase the retirement age for the workforce and the pension scheme for retired staff.