PENARTH firefighters are among those threatening strike action in protest at plans to increase working hours.
As previously reported in the Penarth Times (July 1), the group are unhappy about a new self rostering system proposed by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service that if implemented, could see their working week increase from 42 to 96 hours.
The firefighters have been backed by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), which is opposed to plans to bring in the duty system at three fire stations – Penarth, Maesteg and New Inn in Pontypool.
It is thought 50 jobs will also be lost as part of the costing-cutting plan - with 16 of those expected to go in Penarth.
The proposals are currently the subject of a consultation process, with a final decision expected in September.
Fire Brigades Union officials met last week and agreed to formally register a trade dispute with South Wales Fire and Rescue, and to ballot members for industrial action.
Cerith Griffiths, Brigade Secretary of the FBU, said: “Our members are incensed at the proposal to introduce this duty system, which will mean that the length of their working week and the time spent at the fire station will more than double to at least 96 hours per week.
“In the 21st century that is totally unacceptable and we will do everything we can, including taking strike action, to defeat these proposals.”
In addition to ongoing local representation in Wales, FBU Welsh regional officials and members will be travelling to Westminster later this year to call for investment, and not cuts, in South Wales Fire and Rescue.
FBU Wales regional secretary, Grant Mayos, said; “The cuts proposed by this Government would decimate our service, decrease fire cover, and would hugely increase the risk to our members, and the public we serve.
“At the same time, firefighters will no doubt face a further series of attacks on pay, pensions, shifts, jobs, their health and safety and conditions of service.
“Our members are professional firefighters, and deserve to be treated in a professional manner.”
