FIREFIGHTERS in Merseyside are due to walk out for 24 hours from tomorrow in a row over pensions.

The Fire Brigades Union plans to walk out from 9am on Tuesday, December 9.

The union claims the latest action is over the Government’s decision to commence the Parliamentary procedure to “implement regulations for an unfair, unaffordable and unworkable pension scheme”.

It adds that “after almost three years of discussions, firefighters still face a stark choice of either being sacked or a severely reduced pension if they fail fitness tests as a result of naturally declining fitness through age”.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “Firefighters in England are reluctantly calling further strike action as a direct result of the Westminster government’s failure to listen and negotiate over pensions.

“Firefighters are asking the Westminster government to immediately open genuine negotiations to resolve this dispute. They should also hold a House of Commons debate to fully scrutinise the legislation and there should be a parliamentary vote on the regulations.

“We need to be clear. We are not going to give up or go away. Firefighters will fight for however long it takes to secure a fair pensions deal – this dispute will not end as long as the regulations remain unchanged.”

Ahead of the industrial action, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said 999 calls will still be answered and trained firefighters will be on duty to respond to emergency calls.

A spokesman said: “The public should be reassured that firefighters who are not members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) will maintain an emergency response capability and there will be fire appliances available continuously during industrial action.

“We will also continue our community fire prevention activities during this period – recognising the importance of providing fire safety information at such a time.

“During any industrial action we always ask the public to take extra care and be vigilant, have working smoke alarms on each level of their home and we also urge people to take care with candles, Christmas lights and any Christmas decorations. We also urge people to take care when heating their home during the cold weather.”