Bucks fire chiefs sack FBU official

Union furious after top rep victimised for joining strike

by Richard Bagley

Buckinghamshire fire chiefs ramped up their war on the Fire Brigades Union yesterday with reports that a top official was sacked from the service for taking strike action.

The FBU executive will meet in emergency session today over the plight of Ricky Matthews (pictured), who represents its southern region on the committee.

Buckinghamshire is the only area of England absent from major industrial action that saw thousands of firefighters join a four-day walkout over Tory pension cuts.

The county’s chief operating officer Jason Thelwell boasted that it was “business as usual” after the service threatened to sack any member who took strike action.

Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack branded Buckinghamshire’s management “particularly aggressive and increasingly eccentric” after bosses threatened members with “sanctions, including dismissal,” if they took action.

It was an attempt “to intimidate our members and undermine union organisation,” he said.

Bucks Fire Service claimed that it had issued the threat over an unspecified “legal issue” its lawyers had raised related to the collection of union dues.

But it is only the latest step by the viciously anti-union management in the county, which previously took the unprecedented step of refusing to allow firefighters to work shifts that had been partly shortened by strike action.

Elsewhere in England pickets were out in force, with displays of defiance, public solidarity and high spirits in equal measure.

Mr Wrack praised the strikers for showing “magnificent solidarity,” adding: “Firefighters up and down England have been given an amazing reception by the public who understand why they are striking.”

As the strike began on Halloween night strikers in London reported the unusual sight of trick or treaters handing over their sweets in a show of support.

In Bristol and elsewhere members of unions including Unite and Unison brought their banners to swell the ranks of the picketers.

And in Runcorn the local Devonshire Bakery donated food for hungry strikers.

Around 100 strikers and supporters also rallied in Leicester city centre on Saturday to explain the union’s case against the Tory plans, which will ramp up the retirement age to 60 and threaten anyone forced out earlier on fitness grounds with a massively reduced pension.

Son inspired by father’s spirit of ’77

by Richard Bagley

A poignant show of solidarity across the generations went viral on social media yesterday as striking West Midlands firefighter Ade Caulwell recalled the sacrifices his own dad had made during an epic nine-week walkout by officers in 1977.

A photo of himself and his now-retired father Steve standing together in uniform spread rapidly yesterday with Mr Caulwell saying: “It seems that the two people pictured have more in common than being father and son.

“He went on strike in November 1977 for better working conditions for firefighters.

“He went on strike for nine weeks and to make ends meet and feed his family he ended up working in a pie factory.

“I was four years old at the time and my brother was seven. Firefighters like him across the country managed to secure better working conditions for people like the man on the right of you picture (me).

“Unfortunately I am now taking industrial action because my pension that I signed a contract for is being ripped up.”

Thousands of people shared the image, with Mr Caulwell commenting on Twitter: “It’s gone crazy — it shows people are supporting us.”

Others recalled their own links to the 1970s strike, with Christian Brown writing: “My father was another one of those men in 1977 who went out and fought for nine weeks without pay.

“I can’t imagine how hard it must of been for my parents.

“I am in the service now and I will stay strong with all those firefighters who have backbone to win this fight against this corrupt government.”

Clueless radio caller cut down to size

A hostile London radio show caller who said he had “no respect” for firefighters and claimed they didn’t have a “really hard job” was left shamefaced after an emergency worker tore apart his moans.

Steve in Romford launched a Sun-style rant on host LBC host Iain Dale’s phone-in, suggesting that the strikers were all moonlighting with second jobs and had it easy.

But he was swiftly cut down to size by firefighter and ex-soldier Graham.

“Can I ask how many dead children he has ever pulled out of a fire?” said the angry emergency worker.

“How many mangled bodies he’s had to cut out of cars on motorways?

“I’ve seen things that will stay with me for the rest of my life,” Graham said.

“I’m not after more and more — I’m not after extra. I just want what I’ve signed up for.”

North rallies behind FBU strikers

Barnsley trade unionists gathered outside a South Yorkshire fire station to applaud firefighters as they walked out at the start of their four-day strike.

The local trade council organised the Cudworth station rally to support Fire Brigades Union members in their fight against bosses’ life-threatening plans to have them work until they’re 60 and up their pension contributions.

Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign’s Paul Winter was among a plethora of speakers.

Pickets were active over the weekend across northern England.

Leeds Trades Union Council is backing an appeal for funds to support the strikers.

Donations and messages of support can be sent to David Williams, 22 Red Hall Avenue, Leeds LS17 8NQ. Cheques should be made out to The West Yorkshire Hardship Fund.