FIRE BRIGADES UNION – Humberside

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 19 January 2011

Humberside firefighters, officers and control staff to lobby Fire Authority in protest of cuts to frontline service

On Monday 24 January, 1030 hrs at Service Head Quarters in Hessle, Humberside Fire Authority members will vote on proposals which threaten the safety of the public and firefighters. Members of the Fire Brigades Union and public will lobby councillors and attend this critical meeting to appeal that safety and lives are prioritised before unnecessary, savage cuts. It has also emerged that last minute amendments to these proposals are being tabled in a bid to push through sections which have seen mass objections by the public, politicians and the affected workforce.

Whatever the extent of the proposed cuts, it can only mean a reduction of the current standards in Humberside fire and rescue service and delays in fire appliances attending emergency calls. This will put the lives of the public and the safety of firefighters at increased risk.

Pete Smith FBU regional secretary said: “The proposals put forward to the Humberside Fire Authority members, whether in their original form or amended will ultimately threaten the safety of the public and firefighters. Whether the reductions of operational staff are 50, 100 or 200 it is still a reduction in frontline staff and this will ultimately have a knock on effect regarding attending incidents.

“When the public ring 999 they demand the required number of fire appliances and sufficient numbers of crew members within a few minutes as lives may depend on how quickly the fire service responds in a professional capacity. This is what the public expect for paying their taxes year on year. The question must also be raised around last minute amendments to proposals that have been part of a three month consultation process. Presentations have been made and responses received in line with the original proposals yet Humberside fire and rescue service feels they can now change these proposals without consulting the very public it serves.”

For more information contact:

Pete Smith Regional Secretary 07974101435

Richard Walker Brigade Secretary 07980644646

Neil Trenchard Brigade Chair 07968071850

Rob Vaux Membership Secretary 07888704597

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