Firefighters Accept New Pay Deal, Ending Pay Dispute
Firefighters and Control Room staff across the UK have overwhelmingly backed a new pay deal, ending their long-running pay battle. The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) revealed that 96% of members voted yes, with an impressive 84% turnout.
No Strikes, Just Collective Bargaining
This result makes the Fire and Rescue Service one of the few public sectors to settle pay disputes without strikes. The secret? Collective bargaining. Unlike NHS or teaching sectors, where pay is decided by an “independent” review body, the Fire Service negotiated directly with employers.
Big Pay Rise: 7% Backdated + 5% Increase
- 7% pay rise, backdated to July 2022
- Additional 5% increase from July 2023
The strong strike vote pressured employers into improving the offer, securing two pay bumps and nine months of back pay for firefighters.
FBU Boss Hails Power of Collective Action
“The overwhelming vote by FBU members to accept the improved offer means that the dispute is resolved on terms that are favourable to firefighters,” said FBU General Secretary Matt Wrack. “We pay tribute to our members’ determination and unity throughout the year.”
“Without the huge mandate for strike action last month, this deal would never have been achieved. We pushed employers from a measly 2% offer last June to 7% plus 5% now, with immediate talks on other pay concerns.”
Wrack stressed that direct talks with employers, not an independent pay review body, made this deal possible and helped avoid industrial action. He lambasted government attacks on NHS, teaching, rail, and postal workers’ wages. The FBU vows to stand with all unions fighting for decent pay and fight the Tory laws restricting strike rights.
“Though accepted, the pay offer still isn’t perfect,” Wrack added. “7% this year is effectively a pay cut in real terms. Next year’s 5% might be a slight real-terms rise.”
