Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/682/12569
From The Socialist newspaper, 17 August 2011
Extracts from a statement from the Fire Brigades Union (FBU):
The Fire Brigades Union says fire crews are 'sickened' by the silence of politicians over fire service cuts. Politicians have been queuing up to question police cuts, but none have yet challenged the same cuts to the fire service.
The union has been inundated by fire crews complaining about the lack of opposition to major fire service cuts in the wake of widespread civil disturbances. The strongest and most recent comments have come from fire crews working in areas of recent unrest.
The last wave of cuts saw the loss of 1,000 frontline posts by April 2011. But ever-increasing government cuts will see that rise to at least 6,000 by 2014.
The biggest cuts have happened and more threatened in Manchester, Merseyside, West Midlands, Yorkshire and the South West.
Andy Dark, FBU assistant general secretary said: "Fire crews are angry and sickened by the silence on widespread frontline fire service cuts.
"Pre-election promises not to cut frontline services have proved worthless. You don't get much more frontline than a 999 response and we're being cut to pieces."
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In The Socialist 17 August 2011:
The street eruptions and aftermath
Con-Dems to blame for anger of youth - mass, trade union-led workers' response needed
After the riots... A mass workers’ movement is needed
Tell the TUC - call a 24-hour public sector general strike!
Birmingham peace rally shows need for jobs and services, not cuts
North London Unity demo - 'Workers and youth, unite and fight'
Defend council tenants from eviction!
Build strike action to defeat Con-Dems
Vital services "dying" because of cuts
Extracts from a statement from the Fire Brigades Union (FBU):
Youth workers' warnings ignored across the country
Trade union branch model resolution
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World economy: Capitalists unable to stop the turmoil
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