Firefighters: Is it right to strike?

Industrial action is used to put pressure on employers and the government to change working conditions/pay among other things.  At school you'll probably have celebrated having a day off because your teachers were striking but it's not the same for everyone.  Although industrial action can only take place if a fair ballot of the union is taken not all jobs allow you to do this, and it will not always earn your sympathy or support form the general public.

Striking is banned to some professions (police) and greatly frowned upon in others (doctors) but only last year both of these groups talked of striking with the latter taking action.  Firefighters however, despite holding a similarly 'life-saving' job have used their right to strike a number of times in the last two decades (my own living memory) and are planning to do so again, on Sept 25th.

Why are they striking?
Current proposals mean that firefighters have to work until the age of 60 in order to receive a full pension while retiring earlier sees them lose half of this.  The argument is that pressuring them to work into their late 50s, when their health and fitness is not as high as it was, endangers lives - either that or they are forced to retire and lose a large amount of their pension.

What is being done about it?
While all parties hope for a solution to be found without a strike contingency plans are in place to ensure lives are still protected.  While armed forces were used in 2002 and 2003 they will only be called in in the event of a major incident.  Firefighters will respond only to confirmed fires.

Will it work?
Being only 4 hours long the strike is being called a 'warning shot' hinting that a lengthier strike make take place if union members do not feel the government responds well enough to the action. It is however a warning to the government that the union is serious about the issue and will take greater action if required, this may prompt more progressive negotiations over the pensions.

Is it right?
Union workers have the right to strike providing a ballot has been taken - one was, with ~78% in favour. With the strike being only 4 hours they have taken the responsible ground as it shows the government that the union is serious without endangering as many lives as it would be if it was a whole day's strike. Given their essential role in society a short strike allows them to keep public favour.

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References
www.gov.uk
www.bbc.co.uk
www.dailymail.co.uk