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Firefighter strike solidarity image goes viral

SUPPORT for the firefighters’ struggle went viral yesterday as a photo of one Birmingham striker was shared by thousands on social media.

Britain showed solidarity with the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) strike this weekend by sharing the picture of Billy Holland holding his homemade placard. 

It reads: “Remember when firefighters fiddled their expenses, took billions in bonuses and paid no tax? No, neither do we!”

The photo uploaded from the picket lines on Saturday by Mr Holland to social networking website Twitter has already been shared over 1,500 times. 

Mr Holland told the Star he was “really surprised” it resonated with the public so much. 

“I took it hoping that just a few friends would see it and understand the strength of firefighters’ feelings over our pension agreements being ripped up,” he added.

Firefighters across the country walked out for periods of five and 12 hours this weekend in protest against pension attacks being pushed through by Fire Minister Brandon Lewis.

The FBU argues that despite years of negotiations the union has been faced with dismissiveness from the minister. 

“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,” said the union’s general secretary Matt Wrack.

The new agreement proposed by Mr Lewis would see firefighters’ retirement age rise to 60 despite studies showing that fitness demands on those working in the fire services are no longer achievable after the age of 55. 

The union argues that hundreds of firefighters would then face the risk of being sacked simply because of declining health declining as they get older. 

“It is not wise to have 60 year-old firefighters coming to rescue people from fires,” said FBU regional secretary Paul Embery. “Grandmothers and grandfathers some of these firefighters will be by that time.”

Under Mr Lewis’ plans, anyone needing to retire before 60 would lose almost 50 per cent on his or her pension in penalties.

Firefighters are among those professionals already paying the highest pension costs in the country.

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