Firefighters at Wimbledon and Mitcham stations will be on the picket line next week as industrial action is announced by the Fire Brigades Union.

Dozens of firefighters will leave their stations to take part in further industrial action over pensions, the FBU announced yesterday.

The strikes will happen on Friday May 2, between noon and 5pm; Saturday May 3 (2pm-2am) and - Sunday, May 4 (10am-3am).

There will also be a ban on voluntary overtime across England and Wales from 3pm on Sunday 4 May until noon on Friday 9 May, the union said.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “After three years of negotiations and an intense four months presenting an indisputable, evidence-based case for the need to ensure a pension scheme that takes account the unique occupation of firefighting, the government is still burying its head in the sand.

“Several members of government were only too keen to praise firefighters during the winter floods, but their words amount to nothing when they simultaneously ignore issues that threaten the future of firefighters and their families.

“Nevertheless, we remain totally committed to resolving the dispute through negotiation, and are ready to meet to consider a workable proposal as soon as possible.”


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