Here is a list of questions that we hope will answer most of your concerns.
Who is taking part in strike action?
Fire Brigades' Union members are involved in this industrial action.
Why have firefighters voted to take strike action?
The Fire Brigades’ Union (FBU) has registered a national trade dispute regarding proposed changes to firefighter pensions. Members of the Union voted in favour of taking strike action over the issue.
This is a national dispute between the Fire Brigades Union and the Government.
Have the dates of a strike been agreed?
Strike action (England and Wales excluding Control members) will last four days, starting on Tuesday, December 9 and coming to an end on Wednesday, December 10.
Any further FBU strike dates will be announced here.
How can I keep up to date with news and information about the strike?
You can keep up to date via our social media channels; Facebook and Twitter.
If I call 999 in an emergency during the strike will a fire engine still come?
Yes, but due to extra pressures on our service please make sure you only dial 999 in a genuine emergency.
In the lead up to the planned action, we are asking people to take steps to prevent fires in the home during the strike. These include:
- Check your smoke alarm to make sure it works
- Plan your escape route
- Take extra care when you are cooking or smoking
- Share fire safety tips – talk to friends and family
- Only dial 999 in a genuine emergency, for example a fire not a pet rescue
Is Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service the only fire service on strike?
This is a national dispute, so members of the Fire Brigades Union are taking industrial action all over the country. This will mean that all fire and rescue services are disrupted during the strike period.
Will the time it takes for a fire engine to get to me in an emergency increase?
During the period of industrial action we will have significantly reduced resources. As a result we don’t expect to be able to meet the normal response standards we set ourselves.
How long after the strike until normal service is resumed?
As soon as the strike is over our normal emergency response service will resume. Firefighters will return to work and the number of fire engines available to respond to emergencies will return to normal.
Do firefighters get paid while they are on strike?
No. Firefighters who support the strike will not be paid for the hours lost.
When I call 999, will I still get through to Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service Fire Control?
Yes. Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service Control Operators will be working throughout the strike to answer all 999 calls we receive. They are not part of the dispute.
