FIREFIGHTERS imposed a ban on overtime working across England and Wales yesterday as the struggle to defend their pension continues.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) started their second wave of industrial action after three days of strikes on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

Until Friday May 9 union members will refuse to accept any voluntary overtime in protest against the government’s attempt to raise retirement age to 60.

“Nothing will deflect firefighters resolve when the future of their families — and the Fire and Rescue Service itself — is at stake,” said the union’s general secretary Matt Wrack before the action short of strike.

The three-year-long dispute is yet to be resolved with no comment being issued by Fire Minister Brandon Lewis since the end of the walkouts on Sunday. 

On behalf of the FBU, Mr Wrack urged the coalition to end “its games” and for “common sense to prevail.” 

In an open letter to “all firefighters in England,” Mr Lewis denied having kept newly costed pension options secret from the union. 

The statement dated from Friday May 2 also suggests that the government is adamant on proceeding with the pension reforms on the Proposed Final Agreement.

“The necessary legislation will be put before Parliament soon,” is Mr Lewis’s closing line.

While no further strike action is planned, the FBU executive is set to meet again in the next few weeks to discuss what next steps to take. 

Authorities are reported to have hired strike-breaking staff, including retained and part-time fire services personel.