HUNDREDS of East Yorkshire firefighters have walked out of their stations in a pensions dispute with the Government. The strikes are part of an afternoon of national industrial action following a ballot of Fire Brigades Union (FBU) members earlier this month.
Humberside Fire and Rescue Service has drafted in reserve staff who are trained to provide limited emergency cover but is working with far fewer resources than normal.
The strike only affects frontline staff and fire chiefs and union officials have disagreed on how severe its impact is. A service spokeswoman said half of resources were operating as normal but regional FBU chair Rob Vaux said 87 per cent of firefighters were members and the strike had drastically reduced emergency coverage.
He said: "I don't know where they're getting their figures from unless they're considering the office workers and the control room workers who aren't affected. If you take into account backroom staff there may be half the staff at work but we have picket lines on virtually every station. There's not one full-time fire engine operating and I don't think there are many retained duty engines either."
The strike began at 12noon and is due to end at 4.30pm. Fire chiefs have asked the public to take extra care on the roads and at home while it lasts. They have issued the following tips:• At home, stub cigarettes out properly and dispose of them carefully. Put them out. Right out• Plan your escape route and make sure everyone knows how to get out in a fire• Take extra care in the kitchen and never leave cooking unattended. Make sure grill pans and oven trays are regularly cleaned• Do not overload electrical sockets and watch out for faulty and over-heating electrical equipment and wiring or cables• On the roads, reduce your speed, don't exceed the limit• Always wear a seat belt• Take care when overtaking, if in doubt don't pull out• Never use a mobile whilst driving, pull over and stop• Don't drive when you are tired• Think bike – look out for cyclist and bikers• Take extra care in adverse weather conditions
