CHESHIRE firefighters are unhappy at proposals which could lead to the loss of 40 front line officers across the region.
According to the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), the potential changes could put lives at risk.
Spokesman Dave Williams said: 'We don't believe you can cut front line staff and if these proposals were adopted then there would be fewer firefighters which would put more people at risk.'
According to the union, 20 jobs would be lost and 20 officers would become part of a central reserve of community fire safety officers.
Mr Williams added: 'In order to cover those losses Cheshire Fire Service is looking for six more shifts from firefighters in the force and they will be receiving no extra money for their work - in essence this amounts to a pay cut of 4.6%.'
'We currently work a 42-hour week and we are not prepared to work above those hours without any more pay. The FBU are in negotiations with the fire service to find a solution that will reduce job losses and cover the shifts in a different way.'
The wife of a local fire-fighter told the Chronicle she was unhappy with the proposals. She said: 'We are receiving no compensation for child care costs that could arise from working the extra shifts and it certainly wouldn't attract more women to the service which is one of its stated aims.'
A spokesman for Cheshire Fire Service said: 'No new shift system proposals have been agreed at this moment and negotiations with both local and national FBU officials are continuing with future meetings planned.'
