Firefighters in Coventry have been banned from the games they enjoy and use to fill up time while they are waiting on emergency calls. The firefighters have been banned from enjoying the game of snooker, darts and table football games. These games have been removed from the station staff rooms.

As if that was not enough, the televisions have not been changed where the firefighters get only the news channels. Their comfortable furniture like sofas have been removed and replaced with office style chairs.

Those in charge of the West Midlands Fire Service have commented that the changes are part of a move to form a new corporate image. However staffs at the Coventry’s four fire stations are not happy. They say the activity time between calls is important for morale.

One fireman commented: “What a disgraceful way to treat a dedicated and professional workforce. In a 48 hour week, to have just a couple hours to sit down together, and talk and the jobs we have done, or watch a DVD, is good for morale, which has been low for a long time.”





- 2010-03-25