Firefighters 'none the wiser' after MP's visit (From Western Telegraph)

Firefighters 'none the wiser' after MP's visit

FIREFIGHTERS on the picket line at Pembroke Dock were left 'none the wiser' after they claimed a visit from Labour MP Nick Ainger provided 'a lot of spin but no answers'.

The station's full-time firefighters and the retained crew who 'back them 100%' were keen to know if it was true that Government intervention had prevented a deal - struck in the early hours of Friday morning between the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and local government employers - from going through.

"All I know is that ministers were kept informed of developments, but were not involved in negotiations," Mr Ainger told the men.

"The Government is prepared to sanction pay rises, but it must be linked to extensive modernisation. We can't agree to give your employers millions of pounds until we see a detailed plan. No government in their right mind would sign a blank cheque," he asserted.

Mr Ainger urged the firemen to read the Bains report, which outlines modernisation plans which could mean that 'some firemen will end up with a 40% rise'. This angered the men, who believe this would lead to a 'split in the ranks'.

The firemen were concerned at suggestions about cutting the number of staff on night shifts, despite the fact that statistics show most deaths caused by fire occur at this time.

This issue was also taken up by firefighters in Haverfordwest. David Banner said: "Ask people when do all the fire fatalities occur - usually at night. Who will suffer if they cut back and pillage the fire service. It will not be us, it will be the public."

Fire service member Bryn Skeels, of Pembroke Dock, pointed out that every time the Ambulance Service treats and transfers traffic accident victims to hospital, that service receives a pay out from the casualty's vehicle insurance. The fire service extricates victims from wreckage and clears up afterwards, but does not receive any money for its involvement. "If people paid about £1 a month extra on their home insurance, the fire service could receive a pay out for every house fire they attended," said Mr Skeels. "The pay rise could be funded that way."

Striker Adrian Ashby had one question for Mr Ainger, but despite repeated attempts failed to get a straight answer. "Are you backing the boys?" he inquired.

"I want you to get a fair deal that recognises the role you play in society," said the MP, "but your union has got to get back around the table and negotiate.

CAPTION

Haverfordwest firefighters stoke up the brazier to keep warm as their strike action hots up nationally. PICTURE: Western Telegraph