By FireRescue1 Staff
LONDON — A firefighter who responded to the Grenfell Tower fire turned down an reception invitation from the Prime Minister because he said he has to work two jobs due to pay cuts.
Huffington Post reported that David Badillo received an invitation from Prime Minister Theresa May for a reception to thank first responders for their efforts in recent tragedies.
“Unfortunately, I had to turn down the invite from the Prime Minister as it is on a Monday and I will be working my second job to pay my rent and put food on the table for my family,” Badillo said in a response posted on Facebook. “I have to do this due to eight years of pay cuts, which will continue after being enthusiastically voted in by our government, cheering, days after the Grenfell fire, when the vote was won. So when you’re giving out your meaningless praise for our emergency services, remember I hold you in complete contempt.”
In June, politicians were slammed for cheering after they voted to block an attempt to abolish the one percent pay cap for public workers.
“Enough is enough. It’s time to recognize the contribution of firefighters with more than just nice words,” Fire Brigades Union secretary Matt Wrack said. “They need a pay raise and we need the government to stop slashing our service.”
Badillo’s Facebook post has since been shared over 900 times.
https://www.facebook.com/david.badillo.581/posts/10155285144062669 https://www.facebook.com/jane.b.whiting/posts/10155463264108804