Support our Firemen.

The SWPE today took to the picket line alongside the men and women of the Fire Brigade.  Firemen and Firewomen risk their lives every day to save people from injury or death.  The pay they receive for such dangerous work is far less than City Stockbrokers receive for gambling, or Bankers receive for destroying people's lives.

In an act of unspeakable greed, the UK government is forcing Firemen and Firewomen to pay a substantial proportion of their pay into a pension scheme which requires them to work in a very dangerous job until they are 60 years old.  If they should retire before they reach 60, they will only receive a pension at half the promised full rate.

The government is stealing from our Fire Brigades.  Firstly, they are paid a pittance for what they do.  Secondly, they are being forced to pay a far higher percentage of their pay than anyone else - effectively cutting their pay.  Thirdly, due to the harsh working conditions, the vast majority of the Fire Workers will be forced to retire before they can receive a full pension, thus losing half their money.  This is despicable.

We stand with the Fire Brigade.  It was an honour to stand on the Picket Line today.  We call on all SWPE members and supporters to spread news of the injustice being meted out to our finest people, and we emplore you to take the opportuinity to join the strikers if you can.  We wish the brave men and women of the Fire Brigade every success in this fight against government greed.  This fight is our fight too.  It is the fight of everyone who puts people first.