Firefighters protest over proposed shift changes

Firefighters have been protesting over "punishing" changes to shift patterns.

The proposals for full time staff would mean day shifts increasing from nine to 12 hours, among other changes.

The Fire Brigades Union claimed staff would struggle to manage work-life balance and said the changes were being "forced through".

Mid and West Wales fire service called the new model more "efficient and effective", and claimed it would be safer.

About 100 firefighters stood outside its Carmarthen headquarters, cheering union leaders speeches.

The proposals would alter a "2-2-4" system of two day shifts, two night shifts and four rest days, which includes nine-hour day and 15-hour night shifts.

It would be replaced with a "12-12" structure of two 12-hour days and two 12-hour nights, followed by four rest days.

Hours worked will remain unchanged at 42 a week.

Kirsty, who has been with the fire service for five years, said: "I'm hoping to start a family in the near future and I can't imagine how I'm going to cope with being able to juggle childcare as well as work."

Dai who has been a firefighter for 11 years said: "We've almost been bullied into this and they've railroaded us."

The plans follow a report that dubbed Mid and West Wales Fire service an "operational boys' club" where bullying and harassment were widespread.

Bosses apologised and said they would do more to support staff.

The union's regional secretary in Wales, Duncan Stewart-Ball, said the service was in crisis and that firefighters no longer trusted management.

"Senior management must start listening to the concerns of the frontline," he said.

"Forcing firefighters to work 12-hour shifts will take a huge and avoidable toll on the physical and mental wellbeing of the workforce.

"These shifts will make it harder for women and firefighters with caring responsibilities to work for the service.

"This is appalling, especially considering that management has failed to take any action since January's damning report into the "boys club" culture at the top of the service."

He said the fire authority must hold the service's chief fire officer and senior management to account.

"Putting an end to these unworkable, incendiary plans to change firefighters shifts must be the first step in rebuilding trust and morale," he said.

Mid and West Wales said other fire services had moved to a 12-12 shift system as it was more efficient and effective.

"There are several factors that have contributed to formulating this proposal, which include improved safety for firefighters and the communities they protect, increased health and safety and recommendations from Welsh government," it said.

It said it was "disappointing" there had been "no meaningful progress" on discussions with the union.