Firefighter pension row threat to Commonwealth Games

Industrial action is threatening to cause safety chaos at the Commonwealth Games.

Firefighters will refuse to work overtime next month if union bosses fail to reach an agreement with Government pension chiefs.

That overtime ban action the Fire Brigade Union Scotland favour over strikes may well coincide with Glas-gow 2014, throwing serious doubt on the available cover required during the Games.

And although union leaders say it is a scenario they are keen to avoid, they have admitted that it cannot be ruled out.

Union secretary John Duffy said: “If negotiations go on then, unfortunately, we will get dragged in to having another overtime ban.

“In theory, this could happen during the Commonwealth Games.

“We are hopeful that no action will be taken during that period as we all need to appreciate this is a significant, global event, but it is a possibility.”

Senior Government ministers have already been warned by top cops that terrorists could plan attacks at next month’s Games, deman-ding that venues including Celtic Park and Hampden be ‘target-hardened’ to minimise the impact. Military helicopters and Typhoon jets will also be on stand-by.

A new pensions scheme for fire staff is being developed for all British fire service personnel. However, it has been met with uproar by union members, with firefighters already refusing to work overtime last week in protest.

Negotiations are ongoing, but if they are not to be resolved before the Games start on July 23, there is a realistic prospect of a second overtime refusal falling during the event.

Mr Duffy said: “We can’t say we’re content with the pension scheme far from it but there’s been significant move-ment which has been sufficient to stop full strike action.

“We have previously negotiated and reached a deal with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to put on additional resources over the Games and have a plan in place that will provide what is needed.

“But it would be ironic if, because of an overtime ban, the agreement we’d reached for the Games meant we couldn’t keep the day-to-day app-liances on the run.”

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have arranged for volunteer staff to man a number of appliances based in and around the Games in Glasgow’s east end.

A source within the SFRS said the current overtime ban due to end today has impacted on services across the country.

He said: “Cancelling all overtime has already had an adverse impact on stations across the country.

“For the duration of Glasgow 2014, six additional engines have been set aside to cover any eventuality, but a fresh overtime ban could throw those plans into disarray.”

Chief Officer Alasdair Hay said: “The industrial action being taken by the Fire Brigades Union relates to an ongoing dispute between the FBU and the UK Government.

“This is not a dispute with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and we will continue to engage in constructive and positive dialogue with both the Fire Brigades Union and the Scottish Government.”

The row is the latest in a string of industrial action issues threatening to harm the showcase Games.

However, last night, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said it will cope regardless.

A spokesman said: “We have the appropriate resources and plans in place to ensure the service can respond to any Commonwealth Games related incidents as required.”