Firefighters are planning a strike in a pay dispute after experiencing what they claim is a pay cut in real terms.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) members voted for action in a ballot that closed on Monday, resulting in the UK’s first nationwide fire service strike over pay since 2003.
Firefighters overwhelmingly supported a strike, with 88% voting in favour on a 73% turnout.
The FBU stated that it has given the government and employers 10 days to come up with a better offer that could be put to a vote of members to avoid strikes.
According to the union, firefighters’ real-term earnings have dropped by 12% since 2010, while one in every five firefighter jobs has been eliminated during the same time period.
It comes after members rejected a 5% payoff below inflation in November.
According to the union, previous polling showed strong public support for firefighters going on strike, with roughly three out of every five people in favour.
“Firefighters have faced a sustained attack on pay for more than a decade, with average pay falling by about £4,000 in real terms,” said FBU general secretary Matt Wrack.
“Our members face hazardous situations every day and sometimes risk their health to do the job.
“Faced with double-digit inflation and skyrocketing energy bills, they are now being told to accept a larger real-terms pay cut.”
“Meanwhile, the UK has a record number of billionaires,” he continued. People join the fire service because they want to help others and give back to their communities.
“A government that refuses to listen has pushed us to the point of voting.”
The strike comes after the FBU and the University of Central Lancashire discovered that firefighters are more likely than the general public to die of cancer.
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