Firefighters across Teesside united in a 24 hour strike as a national row with the Government over pensions continues.
The year-long dispute has seen forces across the country take part in a series of strikes including four days of action last month.
Despite this, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said that after three years of discussions, firefighters still faced a “stark” choice of being sacked or having their pension severely reduced.
Crews started the walkout at 9am today at which point auxiliary firefighters took over their duties.
One firefighter taking part in strike at Stockton Fire Station, who wished to remain unnamed said: “There were about 20 of us out here this morning, protesting about the change in our pensions.
“Unfortunately I don’t think that the government will listen to us.
“I think that they need pressure from the public but the public aren’t really aware of what is going on because the auxiliary team do such a good job.
“Calls still get answered so people really don’t know any different.”
Chief Fire Officer at Cleveland Fire Brigade, Ian Hayton, said: “We are disappointed that a negotiated settlement still has not been reached in this national dispute and that a further strike has had to take place.
“My understanding is that the FBU are pursuing a legal challenge to the regulations and have also gathered cross-party support from MP’s in Westminister who have signed an Early Day Motion opposing the draft regulations.
“I also understand that firefighters in Northern Ireland have lifted their trade dispute and that firefighters in Scotland and Wales will not be on strike as a result of negotiations.
“I can understand the firefighters in England’s frustration in not receiving an improved pension offer which has led to further strike action being called.
Teesside communities have been asked to take extra care during the strike which will end at 9am on Wednesday.
Mr Hayton said: ““As always the safety of our communities is, and always will be our number one priority.
“We can reassure the public that we will provide a professional emergency response during these times, as we have done in previous periods of industrial action.
“We will respond promptly to all emergency calls received and the community volunteers who have come forward to be trained as auxiliary firefighters will play an important part in that response.
“But while the industrial action is ongoing, we are asking members of the public to take extra care, whether that be at home, work or on the roads.”
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