Plymouth firefighters will not rule out strike action

“"If the RNLI lifeboats are manned by volunteers, why not the fire brigade?"”

“if they did strike i dont think anyone would notice!!”

“..'Firefighters could strike in protest at plans to cut the fire service'..

Np offence mate, but if you can't even rescue that cat up a tree in Devonport, your public support will fly out the window..;)”

“Firemen should never be allowed to strike.”

“Buildings have become far safer over the years due to flame retardant materials and smoke detectors and sprinkler systems incorporated into the design.

Vehicles have also become far safer with airbags, abs and stability control now standard features.

There has been a massive focus on health and safety for years that has touched all aspects of everyday life.

Now it's time for the FBU to catch up with the times and adapt.

Rick O'Shay
Zog”

“Come on "BettyD" - the reporter said the "Fire Brigade could strike" - the Union Rep, Bob Walker, is reported as saying "I'm not going to rule out strike action. Obviously it's not top of our agenda but it is certainly an option."
I have not met a fire-fighter (or anybody else) who wants to strike.
Firefighters are dedicated to their jobs - it a vocation and a priviledge to serve and protect the community around your station. That is why the Firefighters are so concerned over the prospect of the changes being made to the stations.

"Boredofplym1" - the Firefighters have had no say in the proposed changes. They can see the potential for problems if / when the Sherford development goes ahead. That development does not (check out the planning applications and development plans!) include a fire station - I believe it was ruled out on the basis of Plympton and Plymstock being able to respond and meet the required times.

It is interesting to read the comments (made against the other news stories) by our local councillors and MP's on the subject:-

Pauline Kadoche (Stannator, Plympton) - "to reduce the fire service to a retained one is a step in the wrong direction"

Dr David Salter (Councillor, Plympton) - "I would be very disappointed if this was imposed"

Sam Leaves (Councillor) - "I would like assurance that Plympton will be fully covered"

Gary Streeter (MP - South West Devon) - "will be closely monitoring any potential changes to the service as a result of the savings"

Lynda Bowyer (Councillor) - "Its a pity, but I am told there will be no reduction in public safety"

Martin Leaves (Councillor, DSFRS Authority Member) - "We want to provide a better service with better equipment" "nothing has been cast in stone yet"

And, of course from this news item, Councillor Tudor Evans (Leader of PCC) - "stunned and shocked"


Your fire cover in Plymouth will be affected by the changes, and once the changes are made - it is highly unlikely that they would be changed back!
If you accept these changes, and further cuts are required in a few years time (which is quite likely!) then it will be very easy for the fire service management to remove the "on-call" appliances fully!

Think about it NOW before it is TOO LATE - speak to your Councillors & MP's.

DON'T LET IT HAPPEN !”

“Who will rescue the cat?”

“Sherford is to be built mid way between plymton and plymstock and they are cutting cover in both stations - madness it should be increased

Incinerator to be built in the dockyard so they cut services in camels head not to mention fire service cover for ships/submarines and the wider dockyard

Just acouple of points that show that this is not well thought out oh and Tudor and PCC you can do nothing about it much like you do nothing about things that you should and can change

I bet the armed forces will have to sort it out if they strike after all they have to earn their staggering 1% pay rise - but how will they do it so many have made redundant already there are no spare staff”

“Well they're lucky they CAN strike, other services ie the armed services, police and others are NOT allowed. Stop you're moaning and get on with it like millions of workers from all forms of employment.”