Fire Brigades' Union to strike in London on 5 November - what should be done?

I was absolutely disgusted to hear that 5000+ firefighters will be sacked for refusing to sign new contracts which will desimate many family lives. I spoke to Mick Shaw (Fire Brigades Union President) at the recent Free the Miami 5 Vigil at the American Embassy and said : "if they get away with dismissing Firefighters for standing up for their rights then the rest of us have got little hope". My view is we should give them every support we can - if we don't we could be next!

I hope you agree and thanks for reading - Steve

Hi - Thank you for your reply, to be honest I was bracing myself for a less positive response! It is sadly unfortunate that workers and their Unions have to resort to taking action that impact on the lives of 'sheila and joe' public. The RMT tube and the BAA strikes are prime examples of where workers in stuggle have to suffer the wroth of the press and politicians, and now the firefighters. I've known Matt Wrack (FBU General Secretary) from when he was a working fireman and I know that as well as striving to protect his members terms and conditions he, and the members he represent, take the job they do in protecting the public very seriously. As an active trade unionist myself I am heartened to know there are others who hold the same principles. Surely we will need them in the spade full in the coming months if not years. Steve