Firemen to strikein London shifts row

The eight-hour strike will go ahead after the collapse of 11th hour talks with the capital’s brigade.

The brigade wants to change the current 15-hour night shift and nine-hour day shift to provide a longer day shift.

Fire Brigades Union (FBU) regional official Paul Embery said: “We are clearly extremely disappointed that the London Fire Brigade (LFB) representatives brought absolutely nothing new to the meeting today and all they did was reiterate their position held for several weeks.

“They point blank refused to lift the threat to sack 5,500 firefighters and consequently the strike action planned for tomorrow and November 5 and 6 remains on.”

The talks got under way at 1pm and lasted for more than four hours involving six representatives on the FBU side and four from the LFB.

The eight hour strike today will run from 10am to 6pm across London involving 5,500 firefighters and 111 fire stations.

Mr Embery said the FBU had called a further meeting for Tuesday but the LFB was yet to commit to that.

London Fire Brigade assistant commissioner David Brown said they were “extremely disappointed” at the breakdown of the talks.

He said: “We think it’s reckless and completely irresponsible. There is no need to strike, we’ve been talking all day today about a variety of options. We invited the FBU for independent arbitration on two separate dates and they refused.”

Mr Brown said of today’s strike action: “It is clearly a challenge for us, but the service provided is an adequate service.

“It is there for normal business.

“Obviously November 5 and 6 will be very challenging but we are confident the service provided to Londoners will be satisfactory to meet their needs.”

He said London Fire Brigade was “available for talks any time” on the issue.

Members of the FBU will stop work from 10am today, forcing the capital’s fire brigade to hire contract staff to provide cover.

The union is also planning a two-day strike from the morning of November 5, which will include Bonfire Night and November 6 when scores of firework and bonfire displays will be held across the capital.