The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Morale of fire service staff at ‘rock bottom’
Holyrood committee hears of many challenges faced since merger in 2013
Morale among firefighters is at “rock bottom” as many feel “overworked and underpaid”, MSPs have heard.
Fire Brigades Union (FBU) official Chris McGlone said the service is “no longer listening” to concerns being raised over pay issues, a claim which was denied by Scotland’s Chief Fire Officer Alasdair Hay.
Holyrood’s Justice Committee took evidence yesterday as part of a review into the merger of Scotland’s fire services into a single service in 2013.
MSPs heard a March 31 target to harmonise pay had been missed and no new deadline had been set, but the service plans to tackle it “as quickly as possible”, with negotiations ongoing regarding a dispute on additional pay for firefighters taking on extra duties such as line rescue.
Mr Hay said the merger had been “good for Scotland” and was a success, but money and people were the most challenging elements.
He also told MSPs he would take action as it sounded like “cracks” were beginning to appear.
Mr McGlone said firefighters’ morale is at “rock bottom”, adding: “Those same employees that are being trumpeted and praised have gradually become despondent.
“As the single service continues to be trumpeted as a success, they become increasingly detached from the success story, feel undervalued, feel underpaid and, in many areas of the organisation, overworked and under stress.”
He added: “The problem that we have and the message that is coming across loud and clear to myself and my officials is that service are no longer listening.”
Unison secretary for service support staff Derek Jackson said morale for his staff was “pretty low” and – despite a wage review – some staff faced pay detriments of about £9,000.
Mr Hay denied the service was not listening and said the FBU had cancelled meetings set up to resolve problems.
Mr McGlone said this was due to the negotiation process having “failed” and that a new forum for negotiation was needed.
Mr Hay said for some support staff the detriment may never be resolved but support was in place to help them into move into other roles.
He said: “This has been a success and it’s not hollow words when I say this has been down to the commitment and dedication of staff at all levels of the organisation, there is absolutely no doubt about that.
“Has it been easy for people? Clearly it hasn’t been and we can’t deny the fact that any major change process is going to be difficult for people.
“Are there cracks as (MSP Alexander Stewart) says are beginning to appear? Well, it sounds very much like that.”
He highlighted that staff turnover at 2.5% was less than the Scottish publicsector average of 8% and sickness levels were lower than before the merger.
The problem that we have and the message that is coming across loud and clear to myself and my officials is that service are no longer listening. CHRIS MCGLONE FIRE BRIGADES UNION