Firefighters strike ‘unavoidable’ – union

The administrations in Westminster and Cardiff have “refused to reach a compromise” and an announcement of strike action is “likely to follow soon”, the union said.

Revised proposals from the Scottish government mean that industrial action may not proceed in Scotland, it added.

FBU General Secretary Matt Wrack said: “As a result of the refusal of governments in Westminster and Cardiff to see sense on firefighter pensions, it now appears that strike action is unavoidable in England and Wales.

“Almost 80% of firefighters voted in favour of industrial action if no progress could be made, but we have tried everything to avoid strike action being necessary.

“Although we are some way from an agreement, the Scottish government’s decision to engage positively with firefighters, offer improved proposals and not set any arbitrary deadlines for talks demonstrates that progress can be made through talks when both sides are willing.

“However, our strike ballot remains in place in Scotland and our members in Scotland remain ready for action should it be necessary.

“It’s not too late to avoid a strike: the governments of England and Wales must see sense, put public safety first and come back to the negotiating table willing to compromise.”

Since announcing that almost 80 per cent of members had voted in favour of strike action, the union has met representatives of the administrations in Scotland, Wales and Westminster as well as fire and rescue service employers.

The union’s executive council met on Thursday to review these talks and consider the next steps.

On Friday, the executive council issued a statement to members saying it had “no option” but to call periods of strike action in England and Wales.

It also said it would now consult and communicate with FBU members in Scotland and the UK on the proposals received thus far and the ongoing talks.

Scottish Government community safety minister Roseanna Cunningham said: “The FBU has not called strike action in Scotland at this time and that is to be warmly welcomed.

“Firefighters provide a vital service to our communities, and we believe that working together, we can find a way forward that protects Scottish firefighters from the worst impacts of the changes being imposed by Westminster.

“This Government has been working with the FBU for some time to reach agreement with firefighters across a wide range of issues which recognises and supports the vital work they do as a key public service, and we will continue to do so to reach a mutual agreement.

“We agree that firefighters need clarity over their future pensions and terms and conditions, and we will work with FBU and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to clarify those areas in our proposals where they have sought further detail.

“One of the three aims of our recent creation of the single national Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was to protect frontline services from the worst of the Whitehall spending cuts, we have maintained our commitment to no compulsory redundancies across the government family, which from April 1 now includes the Fire Service.

“We recognise firefighters’ concerns over their jobs, terms and conditions and the pensions reforms imposed by the UK Government. We have already made a commitment that there will be no mutualisation or privatisation of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and our single national fire service allows us to work together to address issues like capacity and fitness in close partnership with the Service and the FBU.

“It is entirely in line with that approach that we have continued to discuss pension issues with the FBU and others in the search for a fair agreement.”