Oxfordshire firefighters vote in favour of strike action in response to proposed council cuts
Firefighters across Oxfordshire have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action in response to proposed cuts to the fire and rescue service.
In total, 94% of firefighters who took part in the consultative ballot voted 'yes' to strike action.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has said that Oxfordshire firefighters are prepared to carry out strikes this summer if the council doesn’t scrap its plans to make cuts to the service.
In November, Oxfordshire County Council announced plans “to improve” the county’s fire and rescue services.
These plans included moving firefighters and fire engines away from larger stations, including taking four full-time firefighters away from Banbury’s Cope Road station.
They also included shutting stations in Henley, Woodstock and Eynsham and merging Kidlington’s station with Rewley Road in Oxford to form one North Oxford station.
Other proposals include improving community-based prevention and protection work and reviewing how the service operates to ensure its long-term sustainability.
Representatives from the FBU condemned the plans, saying they would lead to slower response times and less support for residents.
Following the vote, FBU General Secretary Steve Wright said: “The result of this consultative ballot could not be clearer. If Oxfordshire County Council don’t move quickly to scrap the proposed cuts, then the likelihood of strike action in the fire and rescue service moves ever closer.
“The proposals we are facing will put public safety, firefighter safety and our communities at risk. This is simply not something we can stand by and let happen. We have written to those responsible for proposing these cuts on this much valued public service to withdraw these proposals.
“There can be no price put on the safety of firefighters and the public we serve, and we will do all we can to stop these cuts from happening. If that means moving to a formal ballot for strike action, then that is what we will do.”
Johnny Shuker, Oxfordshire Brigade Secretary, said: “Oxfordshire firefighters are ready to strike this summer if the cuts to our service are not abandoned.
"More wildfires and extreme weather events are expected during the summer months. By refusing to shelve these cuts, the county council is leaving firefighters with no choice but to go on strike during that time.”