London mayor pressing ahead with fire service cuts

Information from Paul Neale, FBU:

Boris Johnson has yesterday formally overruled the London fire authority and is pressing ahead with fire service cuts. Labour is demanding an urgent recall of the authority. The FBU will lobby the meeting. Further details when date is confirmed.

HANDS OFF OUR PENSIONS, HANDS OFF OUR STATIONS, HANDS OFF OUR JOBS

Paul Neale FBU : 0750 006 7069

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/41043 (save our fire stations) http://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-our-fire-stations

Twitter:@dontshutfirestn

Paula Mitchell interviewed Paul Neale (1st February):

So Boris Johnson has overruled the decision made by the London fire authority last week. What has been the reaction of firefighters to this?

Unfortunately the vast majority of firefighters fully expected this old Etonian, who has never had to endure hardship in his life, when he didn't get his own way to just bully his way through. This isn't the first time we've had to deal with political bullies, but he, like others won't be held accountable for this, it will be left to us to deal with the aftermath.

What does Johnson's consultation entail?

The consultation will be a meaningless exercise that by law has to be carried out, which unless it supports him he will ignore.

What are the FBU's plans now?

All of us now have a part to play, with the FBU being at the centre of it. Those stations threatened with closure have already started excellent campaigns. We will hold various demonstrations across London.

Do you think there will be strike action to defend jobs and stations?

Nothing can now be ruled out as this is just the start of job losses and station closures with many more on the table.

What support can other trade unionists, socialists and the public give?

We ask that everyone, regardless of the fact that your local fire station may not be earmarked for closure, now do the following:

1. Go online and email your MP/local councillor. The links can be found on London FBU website or twitter @dontshutfirestn

2. Sign our petitions which can be found at fire stations

3. look out for any events we are holding and come and support us

4. Contact local/national newspapers via their letters section voicing your concerns

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/41043 (save our fire stations)

http://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-our-fire-stations

Twitter:@dontshutfirestn

http://www.writetothem.com/

This version of this article was first posted on the Socialist Party website on 31 January 2013 and may vary slightly from the version subsequently printed in The Socialist.

Donate to the Socialist Party

Finance appeal

The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.

The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.

The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.

The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.

Inevitably, during the crisis we have not been able to sell the Socialist and raise funds in the ways we normally would.

We therefore urgently appeal to all our viewers to click here to donate to our Fighting Fund.