CITY firefighters are set to go on strike again this weekend as the row over pensions rumbles on.
Members of the Fire Brigades Union will be walking out on Friday (May 2) from midday until 5pm, again on Saturday (May 3) for 12 hours from 2pm and finally on Sunday (May 4) from 10am until 3pm.
The nationwide strike is because of a dispute between the FBU and government about proposed changes to firefighter’s pensions, leaving fire stations with only a basic level of cover.
Bosses at Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service have reassured residents they have a robust contingency plan to deal with industrial action, but have warned the reduced fire cover would prioritise the most urgent calls ahead of other responses.
Area commander Keith Chance, who is head of operations support for Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, said: “While the industrial action is on-going we will still be responding to 999 calls, but we will be asking members of the public to take extra steps to reduce the risk of a fire breaking out in their home.
“We would ask people to ensure they have working smoke alarms in their homes as this can provide them with an early warning if a fire should break out in their home. Above all else please remain vigilant.”
Talks are set to continue between the FBU and the Government over the next couple of days in a bid to stop the strike action taking place.
