Suspension of firefighter after trip to palace ‘was vindictive’

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Sian Griffiths was escorted from London fire brigade premises last Thursday after being accused of the "bullying and harassment" of a woman colleague during the recent fire strikes.

Ms Griffiths, 50, who received the Queen's Fire Service Medal at Buckingham Palace for her "trailblazing" work on equalities, has been inundated with 600 messages of support since the Standard broke the story last week.

A letter demanding her reinstatement has been sent to London Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson and women firefighters will protest outside a London fire authority meeting on Thursday.

Ms Griffiths, a former station manager at Shadwell, was recently moved to duties at the brigade's Southwark Training Centre.

A prominent union activist, she believes her suspension may be linked to a complaint she had made about one of her superiors.

Ms Griffiths also actively supported the Fire Brigades Union's two eight-hour strikes over the threat to sack all 5,500 firefighters and re-employ them on new shifts.

Ian Leahair, the FBU's executive member for London, said firefighters regarded her treatment as "spiteful and vindictive".

Ghada Razuki, a former firefighter and colleague of Ms Griffiths, who is helping to organise Thursday's lobby, said: "Sian has spent her life campaigning against bullying and harassment at work and has over 25 years of distinguished service."

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: "A number of staff have been suspended from duty following evidence of potential acts of gross misconduct. Investigations are ongoing and the brigade cannot comment further at this stage."

The dispute between brigade chiefs and the FBU over changes to shifts will be considered by an independent resolution advisory panel today.