‘Reinstate Sian’ demanded a lobby, by over a dozen female firefighters and supporters, of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA) yesterday.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) is demanding the reinstatement of station manager Sian Griffiths, only days after she received the Queen’s Fire Service Medal.
The FBU said it believes her suspension last week ‘is related solely to her active support of her trade union during the current industrial action.’
Addressing the lobby, Sian said: ‘It’s overwhelming, the support I’ve been shown has been incredible.
‘All I’m doing is asking for fairness.
‘Things have been done – the removal of fire engines and use of AssetCo – that have not been challenged by management.
‘I hope they don’t put lives at risk by sacking firefighters.
‘Yet I’m being victimised. I’ve been told “you’re a manager, keep your mouth shut”.
‘Well, I will not compromise the safety of the public.
‘A manager ran someone over on a strike day. He has not been suspended, yet I have.
‘I don’t want firefighters sacked. All I want is that I don’t get punished for something I haven’t done.’
Wandsworth FBU branch chair Linda Smith told the lobby: ‘Sian has been at the forefront of defending members against bullying and harassment.
‘She is being victimised because she stood up.’
Sian told News Line: ‘I’ve been suspended on a serious allegation by a senior manager.
‘This is a waste of taxpayers’ money and is indicative of the sort of culture that is being cultivated in this organisation.’
One of the lobbyists, firefighter Jackie said: ‘We’re here to support Sian against the injustice that has been done in her suspension.
‘We have a right to strike and picket in defence of our jobs and service to the public.
‘I’m very angry that my contract is not worth a bean after 26 years.
‘If the Fire Authority gets away with its sackings threat, no public sector workers will be safe.’