Green councillors have added their voices of support to firefighters on strike today (25th September) over pensions and public safety.
Under national government proposals, firefighters in England and Wales are expected to work until the age of 60 – despite more than half aged between 50 and 54, and two-thirds over the age of 55, unable to meet fitness standards for fighting fires.
Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty, a former representative on the East Sussex Fire Authority, said:
“Firefighters do physical, dangerous work, risking their lives to save others. But the government’s idea of thanking them for a lifetime of public service is by putting firefighters and the public in danger by forcing them to work when the government’s own figures say they are less able to. (1)
“We join the Fire Brigades’ Union and appeal to the Government to protect public safety and ensure that these crucial workers receive fair pensions.
“Greens are proud to show our solidarity with firefighters as they face the blame for the Tory government’s austerity measures.”
Notes
(1) http://fullfact.org/factchecks/how_generous_firefighters_pensions_scheme_26000-29202
For more information please contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.