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Trade Unionists to demand firefighter's reinstatement

by Conrad Landin

TRADE unionists will descend on Hertfordshire county hall next week to demand the reinstatement of a firefighter sacked over a political twitter post. 

The Fire Brigades’ Union (FBU) will march on the council headquarters in support of Ashley Brown, who was dismissed after posting comments on social media about the union’s long-running pensions dispute.

Father of three Mr Brown was fired in December from the Cheshunt fire station he has served at for 25 years. 

An initial appeal to the council — which runs the county’s fire brigade — failed earlier this year. 

Now a petition calling for his dismissal to be reversed has attracted 5,000 signatures — and even local Tory MP Charles Walker has called for “common sense” to prevail.

Tuesday’s protest will coincide with the county’s full council meeting, where a member of the public has tabled a question on the matter.

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: “The union is shocked and appalled at how Ashley has been treated by his employer.

“His dismissal relates to his use of social media in connection with lawful periods of strike action by firefighters and his comments on social media were not aimed at an individual or the local Fire Service by name.

FBU members have been contributing to a hardship fund to support Mr Brown’s family.

Hertfordshire council’s Labour group leader Leon Reefe said his sacking “may not even be legal.”

And he said: “If it is confirmed that Mr Brown has been unfairly treated, then we will be supportive and vociferous about his position.”

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