Mayor Boris Johnson has been urged to intervene in a row between London’s firefighters and the UK Government over changes to pensions.
Ministers have proposed extending the age at which firefighters can retire on a full pension to 60.
However the Fire Brigades Union claims many of its members would be unable to stay fit enough to work until the higher age and would be sacked, thereby losing some of their pension entitlement.
Firefighters have already held strikes in protest at the proposals and have now voted for industrial action short of a strike.
On Wednesday Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson expressed hope that “the FBU and government can reach a resolution” and reassured Londoners that the capital would have “the fire cover it needs at all times”.
London Assembly Members have unanimously agreed a motion calling on the Mayor to lobby Ministers to agree a deal with the Union to avert further action and disruption.
Labour AM Fiona Twycross said: “The London Assembly has come together to send a clear message to government about the need to engage with the Fire Brigades Union to find a decent solution to the pensions dispute.”
James Cleverly, a Conservative member of the Assembly and Chair of London’s fire authority, said: “It is understandable that many firefighters are concerned by the proposed changes to their pensions and the ongoing uncertainty isn’t good for either them or Londoners as a whole.”
“That’s why it’s essential that the FBU and the Government get back to the negotiating table and work out a way forward that avoids further industrial action.”
