FOLLOWING a weekend of strikes, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has called on the UK Government to ‘honour current pension promises’ and avoid further industrial action.

FBU members in Pembrokeshire were among fire-fighters across England and Wales to strike over the Bank Holiday weekend, in protest against the Government’s plans for pension reform.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: "Yet again fire-fighters have shown the strength of their anger over government attacks on their pensions and have been united in standing up for a fair, workable and affordable deal.

"It's very disappointing that we've been forced to hold another three days of strikes but nothing will deflect fire-fighters resolve when the future of their families — and the fire and rescue service itself — is at stake.

"Just like the current bout of industrial action, future strikes could be avoided simply by the government honouring current pension promises and releasing proposals for the future that reflect the discussions we've held over the last three years and take account of the evidence we have presented about our occupation.

"Surely it's now time for their games to stop and common sense to prevail?"

FBU members are unhappy about proposals to increase the amount of pension contributions fire-fighters have to pay have.

They say the plans would also see older fire-fighters facing the sack “simply because their fitness declines”, and those choosing or being forced to retire after 55 losing almost 50 per cent of their pension.

A spokesman for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) said the service was operating at between 74 per cent and 82 per cent availability throughout the strike period.