Fire and rescue staff vote to strike
Firefighters in Renfrewshire are the latest workers to take industrial action for better pay following 10 years of real-terms pay cuts.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has vowed that“any emergency where there is a risk to life or a clear sign of fire will be responded to during any strike action”.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) confirmed on Monday that its members had voted decisively to take action over their current pay deal, with a five per cent increase being rejected in November.
Trainee firefighters start off on around £24,000, developing to £25,000, with the most experienced earning up to £32,000.
In total, 88 per cent of union members voted yes to the strike action on a turnout of 73 per cent in a ballot that opened on Monday, December 5 and closed on Monday, January 30.
The FBU have said they’re giving the government and employers 10 days (until Thursday, February 9) to come forward with an improved offer which could be put to a vote of members.
If they go ahead, the strikes would be the first nation-wide fire strike over pay since 2003.
Matt Wrack, general secretary of the FBU, said:“Firefighters across the UK have spoken. The Fire Brigades Union has a decisive mandate for strike action.
“This is an overwhelming vote for strike action against an offer which would mean further significant cuts to real terms wages for firefighters and control room staff. They have already lost at least 12 per cent of the value of their pay since 2010.
“This is an absolute last resort for our members. The responsibility for any disruption to services lies squarely with fire service employers and government ministers.
“Our members risk their health and safety, and sometimes their lives, round the clock to keep people safe and serve their communities. However, with inflation and energy bills rocketing, they are now increasingly struggling to pay the bills or to afford the basics.
“The government and the employers have the power to stop strikes from happening by making a credible offer that can resolve this dispute. The ball is in their court.”
If an improved offer is not submitted, the FBU will announce a series of strike dates.
SFRS interim deputy chief officer Stuart Stevens said they were developing contingency plans for potential strike action, adding:“As a fire and rescue service, we have a legal and moral duty to provide an emergency response to the communities of Scotland, including during periods of industrial action.
“I want to assure the public that we are developing contingency plans to enact during any strike and we will respond to any emergency where there is a risk to life or a clear sign of fire.”