DOZENS of Dorset firefighters are set to join a national four-hour strike next week in a row over pensions.

Fire Brigades Union (FBU) officials warn the midweek industrial action could be just the first in a line of walkouts if the government refuses to budge.

Exactly how Dorset Fire and Rescue Service (DRFS) firefighters will support the strike is yet to be established, but a situation with union members picketing outside Dorset fire stations has not been completely ruled out at this stage.

The FBU is angry the government has offered to only release full pensions to firefighters when they reach 60 years old.

“You are not operationally fit to be a firefighter at the age of 60,” said Dorset FBU representative Karen Adams. “The long and the short of it is you’re going to be sacked.

“Does the public want 60-year-old firefighters? No they do not. It’s totally ludicrous to think that. “ The government’s current position on pensions could see firefighters who retire or are forced out of work before reaching 55 lose about half their pensions, argues the FBU.

FBU South West Secretary Phil Jordan told the Daily Echo the union had been working to resolve the issue for more than two years, but now a stalemate had been reached.

He added: “Government proposes a situation where they expect 60-year-old firefighters to be at the front line.

“Regrettably, it is almost inevitable that further periods of strike action for firefighters will take place.”

Almost 80 per cent of FBU members voted in favour of industrial action in a ballot that ended earlier this month.

The four-hour strike, set for next Wednesday, will take place between midday and 4pm.

  • Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said: “This initial strike is a warning shot to government. Firefighters could not be more serious about protecting public safety and ensuring fair pensions.”
  • Fire Minister Brandon Lewis said: “The decision by the FBU to take strike action is entirely unnecessary and avoidable.

“After two years of discussions, and with improved terms, the pension on offer to firefighters is one of the most generous public service pensions available.

“A firefighter who earns £29,000, and retires after a full career aged 60, will get a £19,000 a year pension, rising to £26,000 with the state pension.

“To get the same pension from a private scheme firefighters would have to contribute twice as much.”

‘Please reduce risks’

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service assistant chief fire officer Colin Chapman said: “It is important to stress that this is a dispute between the government and the Fire Brigades Union.

“We have put in plans to ensure Dorset Fire and Rescue Service is able to respond to incidents, but we would ask members of the public to take extra steps to reduce the risk of a fire breaking out in their home. We will continue to work with all our partners locally to ensure businesses, homes, and our environment can be kept as safe as possible during this period of industrial action.

Safety information can be found at dorsetfire.gov.uk