Firefighters in Preston are to strike a number of times throughout August.
AdvertisementStarting this weekend there will be walkouts for two hour periods during lunchtimes and an hour in the evening.
The crews are taking part in a national strike action over changes to firefighter pensions.
Firefighters will strike on:
Saturday 9 August 12noon to 2pm and 10.59pm to 11.59pm
Sunday 10 August 12noon to 2pm and 10.59pm to 11.59pm
Monday 11 August 12noon to 2pm and 10.59pm to 11.59pm
Tuesday 12 August 12noon to 2pm and 10.59pm to 11.59pm
Wednesday 13 August 12noon to 2pm and 10.59pm to 11.59pm
Thursday 14 August 12noon to 2pm and 10.59pm to 11.59pm
Friday 15 August 12noon to 2pm and 10.59pm to 11.59pm
Saturday 16 August 12noon to 2pm and 10.59pm to 11.59pm
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service’s chief fire officer, Chris Kenny, said: “This is a national dispute between the FBU and Government and is not a dispute between Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) and our firefighters.
“We do have a significant number of our staff who have given a commitment to maintain emergency cover and as a result the public can be reassured that the Service plan to keep fire engines in Lancashire operational during the dispute period. We would urge all members of the public to be extra vigilant however and be aware that for minor fires in particular, there may be a longer wait for a fire engine. I ask the public to take extra care to prevent a fire happening and encourage them to access the website we have set up to offer advice on how to do that at www.takeextracare.com.”
“The focus for the Service in the short term will be on providing the best service possible with the resources available. In the longer term the challenge will be in bringing our workforce together after the dispute to re-establish the most professional service possible.”
“Even at this late stage I sincerely hope that Government and FBU will soon arrive at a negotiated settlement and we have written to the Government to urge progress.”
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