Firefighters consider industrial action after 'derisory' pay offer

Firefighters are considering taking industrial action in a dispute over pay.

It comes after a 2% pay offer which was described as “completely inadequate” by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU).

Its members are now being urged to reject the “derisory” offer, with the prospect of industrial action now on the table.

The union insisted that its members maintained public safety throughout the pandemic.

Firefighters and fire control staff know their worth. A 2% pay offer is an insult after 12 years of government-imposed reductions in real wages and in a cost of living crisis.

We'll now put this offer to members, recommending they reject it.
— Fire Brigades Union (@fbunational) June 27, 2022

John McKenzie, FBU regional secretary in Scotland, said that it was “insulting” for their efforts to be rewarded with such an offer.

“This offer is completely inadequate. With the current rate of inflation sitting at over 9% it represents a significant cut in in real term wages to firefighters during a spiralling cost of living crisis,” he said.

Our members have now been subject to 12 years of government-imposed reductions to their pay, in that time firefighters real pay has been cut by nearly £4,000 per year.

The offer is currently being discussed by our members with the recommendation that it is rejected.

“It is already clear that the proposal has created significant anger to firefighters, both those working in emergency fire controls, and those in in all uniformed roles in the fire and rescue service.”

McKenzie called on the UK and Scottish governments to “consider their positions” on the matter.

And he said that the union’s members do not take industrial action lightly.

“FBU members maintained public safety throughout the pandemic and it is insulting for their efforts to be rewarded with such a derisory offer,” he continued.

As a union we will now inevitably begin to discuss the appropriate reaction to this, including industrial action.

“The Fire Brigades Union and our members do not consider or take industrial action lightly or without ensuring that all efforts to resolve the issue have been exhausted and to that end we would call upon both the national employers, and both the Westminster and Scottish Governments to consider their positions on this matter.”

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has been contacted for comment.