Relief as fire strike is put on hold

THERE was relief for Bexhill firefighters as the second eight-day strike due to begin on December 16 was called off.

By The Newsroom

Published 13th Dec 2002, 08:14 BST

Updated 7th Jun 2018, 19:47 BST

FBU chief Andy Gilchrist cancelled the walkout while talks with industrial arbitration service ACAS continued to try to settle the long-running pay row.

A spokesman at Bexhill Fire Station said: "We're glad that we're not going out on Monday and that talks are progressing.

"Obviously talking is better than striking.

"But make no mistake, we're still very much committed to getting a fair pay deal and it might be a different story if the talks break down.

"As it is we're relieved we will be able to get on with our jobs in Bexhill in this run-up to Christmas.

The FBU is demanding a 40 per cent pay rise to take salaries up to 30,000 and parity of pay for retained firefighters and control staff.

The Government has offered four per cent and told firefighters anything more must be linked to sweeping changes in working practices.

Bexhill Government