Police and firefighters’ pay dispute escalates

POLICE officers and firefighters are embroiled in pay disputes as union bosses step up threats of industrial action.

Rank-and-file police vowed to ramp up their ongoing work-to-rule unless there was an improvement on a pay rise offer of 3.4 per cent, which was rejected yesterday.

The firefighters’ union, FBU Scotland, warned strike action is a ‘very serious prospect’ after a pay offer of 2 per cent.

With police officers legally forbidden from strike action, the dispute has seen staff refuse to work overtime or take work equipment home with them. Last night, the Scottish Police Federation said that ‘unless a further improved offer is received by August 5, the actions of our members in response to this continued dispute will escalate’.

It added: ‘Police officers should not be in a position where government values police officers less than other sectors and workers. The unique role of the police officer should always be reflected in any pay offer.’

FBU Scotland said staff are furious about the ‘insulting offer’ of a 2 per cent pay rise.

Its secretary John McKenzie said: ‘Firefighters are at the forefront of the climate emergency. The last few days have brought to the public’s attention the dangers we face day in, day out.

‘Firefighters have never taken industrial action lightly but such is the level of anger at this insulting offer, industrial action is now a very serious proposition.’

Scottish Ambulance Service staff were recently made a ‘final offer’ of a 5 per cent pay increase but bosses at the GMB union have recommended that members reject the offer.

NHS staff have been offered a 5 per cent pay rise, in line with the deal offered to train drivers. But yesterday the Scottish Government announced it was only offering 4.5 per cent to medical staff, such as doctors and dentists, which was described by their trade bodies as ‘derisory’ amid warnings it could significantly damage morale.

Meanwhile, Prestwick Airport workers have voted to strike from August 5 in action that will continue over four weeks on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The union said the dispute was due to Prestwick Airport’s refusal to pay new staff the real living wage of £9.90 per hour. Lastditch talks are due to be held today.