Two months to save opt out for retained firefighters (Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats)

Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats <info@aberdeensouthlibdems.org.uk>

Two months to save opt out for retained firefighters

March 17, 2009 12:31 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland has backed colleagues' calls for the UK opt out of the 48 hour week, which forms part of the European Working Time Directive(EWTD, to be kept.

Discussions get under way in Brussels today to review the opt out decision before the European Parliament begins summer recess in May. Liberal Democrats in Edinburgh, London and Brussels are campaigning for retained firefighters to keep their right to opt out of the Directive. There are concerns that the plan to scrap the UK opt out would seriously affect fire and rescue services across the UK.

The MSP will be meeting fire crews in the coming weeks and recently kicked off the campaign in Haddington.

Jim Hume said:

"There are only two months to save the opt out for retained firefighters.

"Scottish Liberal Democrats are determined that sufficient flexibility is allowed in the EWTD so that retained firefighters across the South of Scotland can continue to provide lifesaving fire and rescue services. This flexibility is essential, particularly for our rural and remote areas.

"My Liberal Democrat colleagues and I will continue to campaign to ensure that this key local service is safeguarded.

"I seriously urge people to sign the Liberal Democrat petition at www.scotlibdems.org.uk or contact me at the Scottish Parliament."

Elspeth Attwooll, Scottish Liberal Democrat MEP, added:

"I have made sure that the European Parliament's negotiating team is fully aware of the situation. It is essential that we reach an outcome that allows our valuable and valued system of retained firefighters to continue to function."