Merseyside has the potential to become a national dispute,’ FBU President Ruth Winters told a mass rally at the end of a 7,000-strong demonstration in support of the striking Merseyside firefighters in Liverpool yesterday.
The march started at Myrtle Parade, finishing with a rally at St George’s Square.
Winters added: ‘I would want a unanimous vote on our National Executive to take supportive action to defend our brothers and sisters in Merseyside.’
Firefighters on the march who came from all over Britain spoke to News Line.
Neil Day, secretary of Norfolk FBU, said: ‘We are supporting our colleagues in Merseyside.
‘Our members are fully aware the fight for Merseyside is for us all.
‘We cannot afford to let Merseyside FBU lose.’
Kevin O’Gilby, a Grampian FBU member, said: ‘We’re here to stop these cuts in Merseyside.
‘If they carry on here it’s going to spread nationally.
‘The FBU nationally have a mandate for a recall conference for a vote for a national strike if any FBU members are made redundant.
‘I would back a national strike.
‘I did the last time and I will again.’
FBU member Chris Wooding, from Old Swan fire station in Merseyside, said: ‘I feel we’re getting bullied and harassed all the time.
‘I’m opposed to all the cuts.
‘The £3.5 million which is in “deficit’’ should be saved from other sources than frontline firefighters, taking fire engines from the frontline.
‘We have to take on the fire chief (McGuirk) and then the government.’
Firefighters are due to end their current eight-day strike on Merseyside on Wednesday, when they begin a second eight-day strike against threats to sack 140 firefighters and cut services in the region.
FBU General Secretary Matt Wrack told the rally: ‘You’ve got the support of the FBU throughout Britain and firefighters worldwide.
‘If they don’t start listening, we’ll be back here ten times stronger.’
Merseyside FBU chairman, Mark Dunne, told the rally: ‘Hertfordshire FBU have given a donation of £12,500 to our hardship fund.
‘Suffolk FBU, who are balloting for strike action themselves, sent £1,000 today.’
Les Skarratt, Merseyside Brigade secretary, read out a message of support from the Liverpool Labour Group secretary, Joe Anderson.
Skarratt said: ‘It’s a pity the Labour councillors on the fire authority don’t share that position.’
Bob Crow, leader of the RMT rail union, called for solidarity with the Merseyside firefighters.
He brought a donation of £5,000 from the RMT executive.
Tony Woodley, TGWU general secretary, said: ‘I salute the firefighters’ leaders who are prepared to fight such cuts.’