Rochdale resident’s split over firefighters strike

Photo: James Hogg

Fire fighters tackle a fire on Ebor Street, Littleborough

Firefighters are set to go on strike on Wednesday 25 September in a dispute over pensions. Almost 80% of firefighters in the Fire Brigade Union voted in favour of industrial action in a ballot earlier this month.

Rochdale Online tried to speak to firefighters about the strike but your reporter was informed when visiting the borough's fire stations that fire fighters "have been told not to speak to the media regarding the strike".

Rochdale residents were more forthcoming, with opinions divided on the upcoming strike action.

Sandra Brown didn’t agree with the strike action. She said: “There are a lot of people going through similar situations at the minute and the fire fighters work in a sector that is needed so I don’t agree with it.”

Beryl Thomas, who works in education, said: “I don’t necessarily agree with it but I can see where they are coming from. They have to do what they have to do.”

Nurse, Helen Caddick said: “They are doing it so they can get their opinion across and everyone has the right to do that. You can’t work for all of that time and then be told you can’t have your pension.”

Council worker, Liz Lyons said: “I work for the council and we have gone through job cuts and losses so I do understand were they are coming from. As long as it doesn’t put peoples lives at risk then I agree with what they are doing.”

Mr and Mrs Dolan both also agreed with the strike action. Mrs Dolan said: “I agree with the strike. They have worked for their pension so they should be allowed it.”

Mr Dolan added: “These people have paid into their pensions for all of this time and then all of a sudden it is taken away from them. It shouldn’t be like that so I agree with them striking.”

The borough has three fire stations – Rochdale, Heywood and Littleborough.

The strike will take place between noon and 4pm Wednesday 25 September.