Now firefighters in Fife could strike over pay

FIREFIGHTERS in Fife are warning that they’re prepared to go on strike unless they get an improved pay deal.

The Fire Brigade Union (FBU) will consult their members over the five per cent rise that’s on the table by ballot of membership, which will run for two weeks from October 31 and could lead to industrial action.

Local members met with Alex Rowley, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, and told him that firefighters have been experiencing below-inflation pay settlements since 2007 which has resulted in a real terms cut of £4,800.

With increasing inflation putting even more pressure on household budgets, FBU representatives are asking politicians to support a fair pay deal, while they’re also concerned about cuts to the service.

Mr Rowley said: “Firefighters are worried about the continuing pressures on the service and they quite rightly want to see their pay keep up with costs.

“The Scottish Government spending plans risk fire services being decimated. There is already a shortage of firefighters with the minimum crew levels being missed on a regular basis. We need to see a fair pay award and a costed plan to ensure our fire service is equipped and staffed to meet the growing challenges the service face.”

The union issued a statement to MSPs that said: “Every day fire engines sit empty and unstaffed across the length and breadth of Scotland, unable to mobilise to emergency incidents because there are no firefighters to crew them.

“Cuts to the frontline leaves fewer firefighters available to respond to emergencies. Greater delays mean an increased risk to the public. Cuts costs lives – every delay in responding to a serious fire or road traffic collision increases the risk of serious injury or loss of life. If the Scottish Government truly wants to see a modern Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, equipped and trained to meet the current and emerging risks we face as a nation, then they need to commit to providing the investment required to make that a reality.”

Mr Rowley has raised their case in parliament, warning the government that the service is “underfunded” and will leave communities “at risk”.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The people of Scotland are well-served by the officers and staff of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), who play a vital role in keeping our communities safe.

“Firefighter pay is negotiated through UKwide collective bargaining arrangements, which includes SFRS as the employer. The Scottish Government is not part of these arrangements. The Scottish Government has continued the commitment to support SFRS service delivery and modernisation with a further uplift of £9.5 million for 2022-23 bringing the budget to £352.7 million.”