FIREFIGHTERS in Bolton will finish eight consecutive days of strike action today.

But from 7pm today, they will not work voluntary overtime, non-contractual overtime or any additional voluntary hours.

Matt Wrack, the Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said: “Firefighters have solidly observed the strike action over the past eight days; this has not been easy for them or their families, but all firefighters are aware what is at risk here.

“Firefighters cannot accept a deal which rips up the pension promises they were given and creates an unaffordable and unworkable pension which takes no account of the real work firefighters do and the fitness requirements which go with it.

“The campaign will continue until government ministers offer an alternative, affordable and workable pension scheme.”

Crews at Bolton Central, Bolton North and Farnworth walked out every day between July 14 and today, for 15 two-hour blocks.

The Government is proposing to increase the age firefighters become entitled to their pension from 55 to 60, which the FBU argues is too old to be fighting fires. It says the changes will mean firefighters who retire at 55 will lose 45 per cent of their pension.

The Government has argued its offer is one of the “most generous pensions in the whole public sector”.

The FBU ’s executive council is to meet this week to consider its next steps.