FIREFIGHTERS have announced two more strike dates over the Christmas period as part the on-going national dispute between the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and the Government over the proposed reform of firefighter pension schemes.

FBU members walk-out on Christmas Eve, from 7pm to midnight, and on New Year’s Eve, from 6.30pm to 12.30am the next day.

Another strike will take place from 6.30am for two hours on Friday, January 3.

Firefighters will also be refusing to work voluntary overtime on Friday, December 27, from 7pm and on Sunday, December 29, from 7pm.

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: “Firefighters provide a first-class standard of service 24-hours a day, 365 days a year and these strikes will remind the Government just how reliant they are on our members’ professionalism, commitment and flexibility.”

The latest announcement comes after firefighters carried out a four-hour strike over a weekend.

At a recent Ryedale Area Committee, Danny Westmoreland, group manager with North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said the strikes were unlikely to affect Ryedale.

“So far the good news for us in Ryedale is that it is not having a major impact,” he said. “All but one or two full-time members have been working. A large percentage are part-time or on call and many of them are not members of the FBU, because of this they were not included in the strike ballot, so will be working.”

A table summary of industrial action can be viewed at www.bit.ly/FBUxmasstrikes