Law & Order

Fire services unaffected by industrial action

Fire services unaffected by industrial action

May 01, 2012

The Fire Services Department says it will ensure emergency services’ quality and efficiency will not be not affected by firefighters’ industrial action.
 
It made the pledge in response to media enquiries on a public procession by the Hong Kong Fire Services Department Staffs General Association today.
 
The department does not oppose gradually reducing firefighters' working hours in line with the Government’s policy on working hours.
 
It has discussed with the staff associations and policy bureau reducing the working hours gradually, based on three prerequisites: that it be cost-neutral, require no additional manpower and the same level of service to the public is maintained.
 
In February, the management proposed to reduce firefighters' conditioned working hours gradually, from 54 hours to 51 hours a week.
 
A full-scale staff opinion survey was conducted between mid-March and mid-April and the survey results will be available in or around mid-May.
 
It respects the right of staff associations to take industrial action and the management has reminded all participating members to ensure that their action will in no way affect the quality and efficiency of emergency services and public safety.

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