Firefighters back strike action in row over cuts

Firefighters have backed potential strike action against proposed cuts they say will "put communities at risk".

The Fire Brigades Union said 94% of Oxfordshire firefighters who took part in its "consultative ballot" supported a strike, on a turnout of 71%.

Oxfordshire County Council's proposals include the closure of three on-call stations and would see some firefighters face redundancy.

Chief fire officer Rob MacDougall said the safety of Oxfordshire's residents remained a priority, adding he was committed to engaging with the union on the plans.

The ballot - which the union said was carried out to highlight the strength of feeling among firefighters - was non-binding and does not mean industrial action at this stage.

The union's general secretary Steve Wright said: "If Oxfordshire County Council don't move quickly to scrap the proposed cuts, then the likelihood of strike action in the fire and rescue service moves ever closer.

"The proposals we are facing will put public safety, firefighter safety and our communities at risk. This is simply not something we can stand by and let happen.

"We have written to those responsible for proposing these cuts on this much valued public service to withdraw these proposals."

Last month, FBU members opposing the cuts marched through the streets of Oxford.

Wright added that the union would take its message to the prime minister and others in government.

Among the proposals for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service are plans to create five day-shift fire engines in Wallingford, Faringdon, Witney, Bicester and Chipping Norton.

Plans also include the removal of the on-call fire engine from Oxford's Rewley Road due to low staffing levels.

On-call stations at Woodstock, Eynsham and Henley are being considered for closure due to "persistent low fire engine availability".

Johnny Shuker, Oxfordshire Brigade Secretary, emphasised firefighters' concerns about the proposals.

"More wildfires and extreme weather events are expected during the summer months," he said.

"By refusing to shelve these cuts, the county council is leaving firefighters with no choice but to go on strike during that time.

"It is playing fast and loose with public safety and that of firefighters by pressing ahead with these cutbacks."

MacDougall stressed the FBU's ballot does not mean industrial action at this stage.

He said the service was still analysing feedback from its recent consultation and that a formal response would be issued in April.

"Our priority is, and will always remain, the safety of Oxfordshire's residents and our firefighter colleagues," he said.

The council previously said its proposed changes to the county's fire and rescue service would improve safety and efficiency.

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