While on picket duty, there were a couple of occasions when passers-by shouted obscenities at firefighters, including references to being greedy.
None of them stopped to explain why, but drove or cycled off at high speed.
After four years of training, firefighters are paid £21,531 before stoppages for a 42-hour week.
They are not paid any allowances and cannot increase their earnings, except with other jobs on their days off.
Even after 14 years, they still earn only £21,531. A teacher, after four years, can earn £26,900 and after 14 years, can be on as much as £31,000.
Police officers, after four years, will earn around £24,000, with an extra £5,000-£6,000 in allowances and overtime. After 14 years, their basic salary alone is £28,905.
Firefighters feel the job they do is of a similar value to society as that of a teacher or police officer. I do not think it greedy that they ask for similar pay.
DOUG MINTER
Station Officer
Rewley Road Fire Station
Oxford
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