BOLTON’S firefighters are currently staging a 24-hour strike in a row with the government over pays.

Crews across the borough walked out 9am this morning and will not return to action until the same timetomorrow.

Another strike set to take place on Saturday, June 21, between 10am and 5pm.

Earlier, a picket was staged outside Bolton central station as firefighters held pickets with statements such as ‘hands off our pensions’ on them.

Many members are now travelling to Manchester to join other brigades in a central protest.

This is the latest round of action in a long running row over proposed changes to firefighters pensions and a later retirement age.

Watch manager at Bolton Central, Ian Reed told The Bolton News he was “sick and tired of the big people picking on the little people.”

“We have all got to show solidarity against the government’s plans, we are employed by the public taxpayer and so by not looking after us, they are not looking after the public.”

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue are providing emergency fire crews during the walk-out.

County Fire Officer Steve McGuirk said: “We’ve recruited and trained emergency fire crew to provide fire cover during periods of industrial action and this has been the approach since the dispute began.