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WILLIAMS TO FIGHT THREAT TO FIRE SERVICE
February 19, 2009 3:01 PM
Roger Williams MP has today raised his serious concerns over the issue of the impact the abolition of Britain's opt-out from the Working Time Directive will have on retained fire-fighters across Wales.
Mr Williams said "Retained Firefighters usually have full-time jobs outside the fire service. As a second job, they spend up to 120 hours per week "on-call" - in their own homes or at their regular work places, but they are there if we need them in emergencies"
"An EU directive limits working hours to 48 per week - and this includes the time retained firefighters spend on call. Up to now, British workers have been able to opt out of the Directive. That right is about to be taken away. I am deeply concerned that unless something is done, dozens of fire stations will have to offer reduced services."
Mr Williams continued "In rural Wales the service that our Retained Firefighters provide can mean the difference between life and death. We need to act now to ensure that we are able to continue with the opt out.
Mr Williams will shortly be meeting with the the Chief Fire Officer of Mid and West Wales Fire Service to further discuss the possible implications.
He continued "I am launching a petition to highlight the importance of maintaining our retained fire service to our rural communities. I urge members of the public to sign the petitions and I will be handing the petitions to the Government. I am pleased that the Liberal Democrats are leading the call for retained fire-fighters to to keep the right to opt out of the Working Time Directive which will help maintain this vital service"
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