UNION CLAIMS MANAGEMENT IS IGNORING CULTURE REVIEW FINDINGS

MORE than 200 firefighters and supporters rallied outside the headquarters of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service in Carmarthen last week, protesting against proposed changes to shift patterns.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) is calling on the fire authority to scrap plans to move from the current 9-hour day and 15-hour night shifts to a system of 12-hour days and 12-hour nights.

The shift change is part of a wider restructure of the traditional “2-2-4” pattern — two day shifts, two night shifts and four rest days. Management insists the new pattern will retain the same total weekly hours (42) while being “more efficient and effective.”

But the FBU says the plan is being pushed through without proper consultation and will disproportionately impact firefighters with childcare or other caring responsibilities. The union argues the changes will negatively affect mental and physical wellbeing, especially for those already stretched by demanding workloads and staff shortages.

The protest follows a damning workplace culture review in January which described the service as an “operational boys’ club” where bullying and harassment were rife. The report called for a wholesale change in leadership culture — but union leaders say those calls have been ignored.

‘Staff pushed to exhaustion’

Tom Wass, Mid and West Wales brigade organiser for the FBU, said: “Firefighters have travelled from across the region today to rally in opposition to these 12-hour shifts. We keep the public safe around the clock, but pushing us to exhaustion and making the job incompatible with family life will only drive people out of the service.

“The huge turnout today shows how strongly firefighters feel. Senior management must stop attacking our conditions and start listening to the frontline.”

‘Trust in leadership has gone’

FBU regional secretary Duncan Stewart-Ball said the fire service was “in a state of crisis.”

“Firefighters no longer trust senior leaders,” he said. “Forcing through 12-hour shifts, especially after the ‘boys’ club’ report, is appalling.

“These changes will make it harder for women and those with caring responsibilities to stay in the job. The fire authority must hold management to account and scrap these damaging proposals if they want to start rebuilding trust.”

‘We’ve been railroaded’

Firefighters on the picket line told The Herald they felt bullied into accepting the changes.

Kirsty, who has been with the service for five years, said: “I’m hoping to start a family in the near future, and I can’t see how I’ll be able to juggle work and childcare under this new system.”

Dai, a firefighter for 11 years, added: “We’ve almost been bullied into this — they’ve completely railroaded us.”

Fire service defends proposals

In a statement, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said the shift proposals were based on “improved safety” for both staff and the communities they serve.

A spokesperson said: “Other fire services have successfully implemented the 12-12 model, which provides better continuity, clearer handovers, and greater operational resilience. This is in line with recommendations from the Welsh Government and health and safety improvements.”

The service said it was “disappointed” that there had been “no meaningful progress” in talks with the union.

FBU general secretary Steve Wright said: “Firefighters already go above and beyond to keep the public safe, despite a decade of cuts. Forcing gruelling shift patterns on them will only deepen the crisis. The fire authority must scrap these plans immediately.”

RESIDENTS and visitors along the Pembrokeshire coastline have been warned to take extra care today (Mar 31) after a flood alert was issued for the area.

Natural Resources Wales issued the alert at 7:21pm on Sunday evening, warning of a risk of flooding between St Dogmaels, Cardigan and Amroth.

The combination of high tides and unsettled weather conditions is expected to cause flooding of low-lying land, roads, beaches and estuary areas this morning. The high tide at Milford Haven is forecast for 8:22am.

A spokesperson said: “Flooding is possible and people are advised to be cautious in coastal areas, particularly along footpaths and near estuaries.”

River and tide levels are being monitored at key locations, including Milford Haven and Haverfordwest. At 1:15am, the tide level at Milford Haven was recorded at -2.964mAOD and falling, while the Western Cleddau at Haverfordwest was steady at 0.484m.

Flood alerts have also been issued for other tidal areas in the county, including Little Haven, Lower Town Fishguard, Saundersfoot, Newgale, Dale, Amroth, Solva, Pembroke Dock, and Angle.

This is the latest in a series of alerts affecting the area over the past few months, with similar warnings issued in February and January.

Members of the public can check the latest information by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188 and quoting quick dial number 503013.

Flood alert in force: 7:21pm on Sunday (Mar 30)
High tide at Milford Haven: 8:22am on Monday (Mar 31)

MUSIC lovers can enjoy a wonderful evening of entertainment at Ysgol Greenhill in Tenby next week, featuring talent straight from the West End.

The Denmark Street Big Band will headline the evening on Friday April 4.

The musical extravaganza also marks the launch of the Ysgol Greenhill Theatre to further promote and support the arts at the school and showcase the talents of young people.

The Denmark Street Big Band are a throwback to when exciting big bands electrified audiences and recreates the swinging sounds made famous by the likes of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin among many others.

Having performed regularly on the London music circuit, the Denmark Street Band brings its show to Greenhill and will take to the stage with local favourites Tenby Male Voice Choir as part of the Choir’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

A special West End guest will also join the Choir to perform.

The event is also an opportunity to showcase incredible school talent and provide an opportunity for pupils to play alongside professional performers.

A further highlight will be a sneak preview of the return this summer of a major school production, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

This will be the first school production in six years and preparations are in full swing.

The event takes place at Ysgol Greenhill on Friday April 4 from 7pm. Ticket prices are £18 for adults and £16 for concessions.

For tickets, see https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ and search Ysgol Greenhill or contact the school on 01834 840100.