FIREFIGHTERS in Worcestershire and across the UK are on strike this week over what they have called “vicious” pension attacks by the Government.

Hereford and Worcestershire crew members who are part of the Fire Brigade Union (FBU) are striking on eight consecutive days starting today.

They have described the current proposals set out by the Government as unacceptable, unworkable, unrealistic and nothing short of a vicious attack on pensions.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “The Government must realise that firefighters cannot accept proposals that would have such devastating consequences for their futures, their families’ futures and the future of the fire and rescue service itself.

“We have tried every route available to us to make the Government see sense over their attacks.

“Shorter strike periods have illustrated the strength of feeling among firefighters while limiting disruption to the fire service, the public and our members’ working lives but the Government is merely ploughing ahead, forcing firefighters to react.”

The FBU has been in negotiations with the Government for three years in an attempt to avoid the implementation of proposals which, they say, would see firefighters paying more in their pensions, working longer hours and receiving less money back.

Strikes will take place on the following dates: Monday, July 14, from 6am until 8am and 5pm until 7pm, Tuesday, July 15, 6am-8am and 5pm-7pm, Wednesday, July 16, 6am-8am and 5pm-7pm, Thursday, July 17, 6am-8am and 5pm-7pm, Friday, July 18, 6am-8am and 11pm-1am on Saturday, July 19, Saturday, July 19, 11am-1pm and 11pm-1am on Sunday, July 20, Sunday, July 20, 5pm-7pm, Monday, July 21, 6am-8am and 5pm-7pm.