Editorial

The decision by the Fire Brigades Union to strike on Guy Fawkes night must go down as one of the most cynical strike actions seen in the capital for many years.  With many Londoners sympathetic towards firefighters the actions of the FBU can only be described as a public relations disaster, and will not help the good men and women of the fire service achieve their goal, which is being clouded by the decision to strike on a day that many families use to celebrate.

Many councils have already cancelled fireworks displays, either due to finance or the potential of firefighters not attending fires on the night.

The belligerence that is coming from City Hall, must also be toned down, with Brian Coleman receiving a series of nasty personal attacks today in other media outlets.  We must not allow the firefighters dispute to become another "tube impasse" we need calm and sensible reasoning from both sides.  Surely it cannot be the case that fire fighters are allowed to work two jobs, and expect to be paid full salaries from the tax payer.  

FEPA Chairman, Brian Coleman said: “The FBU have placed firefighters in a terrible position. We had asked for a meeting with national negotiators on the 5 November, and the union have responded with a strike. The message to the FBU is short and simple. Call the strike off and talk.”

“There are no cuts, no job losses, this is about reducing a 15 hour night shift, adding those hours to the day shift and doing more community safety work and firefighter training.”

The FBU must understand that the public argument is being swayed against them; a strike on bonfire night in London will see a groundswell emerging against decent men and women who protect the capital from fires.