Firefighters could strike over pension changes

AROUND 300 members of the emergency services, many of them firefighters, demonstrated outside the Scottish Parliament yesterday, as the row over pensions intensified.

• Firefighters union chief issues strike warning at Holyrood rally.

• UK government accused of “extortion” by police officers union.

After supportive speeches from politicians, including justice secretary Kenny MacAskill, the Fire Brigades Union warned strike action is imminent.

Matt Wrack, general secretary, said: “Unless we see movement on pensions you will see firefighters marching on the streets. Members across the UK will vote in a ballot and will vote yes.”

Firefighters and the police fear they will be expected to contribute more and work longer, under UK government plans.

They fear they will be unable to meet the physical demands of their job when they are older.

Mr Wrack said: “Sixty-six to 85 per cent of people, as they get beyond 50 or 55, will not be able to reach those fitness standards.”

The Scottish Police Federation wants to negotiate with the Scottish Government instead.

Calum Steele, general secretary, said: “The Scottish Government determines the number of forces, the number of police officers, police pay and is responsible for paying pensions, but not for setting what those pensions should be. That’s preposterous.”