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Brentwood firefighters took their 24-hour strike to a whole new level after perching a union flag on the front of secretary of state Eric Pickles’s office.
The comedic scene took place during the firefighters’ march when, walking through a side street, the 150-strong contingent came across the Brentwood and Ongar Conservative Association.
“They wanted to make their presence know,” said an onlooker.
Mr Pickles, who has been the MP for Brentwood and Ongar for the last 22 years — has been responsible for the new pension reforms which aim to punish firefighters retiring before the age of 60.
Essex Fire Brigades Union chairman Riccardo La Torre said: “Up to 85 per cent of us face not being able to make the requirement beyond the age of 55.”
Strikers assembled outside the office and one shouted into a megaphone: “Eric Pickles, this is your last warning!”
The group then brought out the infamous firefighters’ stepladder and placed the flag on the building’s flagpole holder.