Firefighters say yes to potential strike action
01/04/2026
The ballot comes as changes to Oxfordshire’s fire service are considered
Firefighters in Oxfordshire have voted in favour of potential strike action if the County Council continue to move forward with changes to the structure of the service in the county.
In a ballot by the Fire Brigades Union 94 percent voted “yes” to the idea. There was a 71 percent turnout.
The County Council has been consulting on proposed changes to the way the service is delivered, partly driven by a reduction in the number of people coming forward to be on-call firefighters. They say the aim is to enable the service to better meet both day and nighttime demand across Oxfordshire.
To achieve this some stations would close with staff relocated. In Banbury the number of firefighters at Cope Road would be reduced by four.
Fire Brigades Union General Secretary, Steve Wright, said: “If Oxfordshire County Council don’t move quickly to scrap the proposed cuts, then the likelihood of strike action in the fire and rescue service moves ever closer.
“The proposals we are facing will put public safety, firefighter safety and our communities at risk. This is simply not something we can stand by and let happen. We have written to those responsible for proposing these cuts on this much valued public service to withdraw these proposals.
“There can be no price put on the safety of firefighters and the public we serve, and we will do all we can to stop these cuts from happening. If that means moving to a formal ballot for strike action then that is what we will do.”
Johnny Shuker, the Oxfordshire Brigade Secretary, added: “Oxfordshire firefighters are ready to strike this summer if the cuts to our service are not abandoned.
“More wildfires and extreme weather events are expected during the summer months. By refusing to shelve these cuts, the county council is leaving firefighters with no choice but to go on strike during that time.
“It is playing fast and loose with public safety and that of firefighters by pressing ahead with these cutbacks.”
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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