Our firefighters joined in strike (From Thurrock Gazette)
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Our firefighters joined in strike
7:20am Thursday 5th July 2012 in News
THURROCK firefighters took part in an eight-hour strike last week, as a dispute between their union and the Essex Fire Service rumbles on.
There was a 100 per cent turnout of Fire Brigade Union members at Grays, Orsett and Corringham for Thursday’s walkout.
Crews at Grays and Orsett picketed for most of the day, while members at Corringham stood outside until lunchtime.
Derek Godfrey-Shaw, FBU regional officer and firefighter at Grays, said crews received great support. He said: “There was loads of public support, with people beeping their horns as they drove past and signing a petition.
“All in all it was a peaceful day, which we expected. There wasn’t any trouble.”
The FBU is taking action against what it calls “unnecessary frontline cuts”.
Alan Chinn-Shaw, FBU brigade chairman, said: “This strike is about cuts and imposed changes. Essex fire service has the funds, these changes are not necessary.”
Another one-hour strike is planned for Saturday morning, between 4am and 5am, but the two sides were set to get round the negotiation table on Thursday (July 5).
Chief Fire Officer David Johnson said: “We have said all along talking is the best way to settle this and we are delighted the FBU has agreed to get back round the table.”
