Firefighters Strike Called Off After Bigger Pay Offer
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has hit pause on planned strike action after fire bosses upped their pay offer. The new deal could see firefighters pocket a 7% rise backdated to July 2022, and a further 5% boost from July 2023.
Union Ballots Members on Pay Deal
At talks yesterday, Fire and Rescue Service employers shifted gears with a revised pay proposal. The FBU’s Executive Committee swiftly decided to put the offer to a member ballot, delaying any strike announcements until the vote is in.
The recent ballot was a game-changer. An overwhelming 88% of firefighters and control room staff across England, Scotland, and Wales backed strike action, with a 73% turnout. Northern Ireland saw an even stronger 94% vote in favour.
FBU Boss Warns Offer Still Falls Short
Despite the pay hike, the union admits the deal doesn’t match soaring inflation, effectively a real-terms pay cut. FBU General Secretary Matt Wrack said:
“Today, firefighters were given a new pay offer. This offer is testament to the power of collective action through the Fire Brigades Union. Last year we were offered an insulting 2%. The employers have now revised their position.
We’ve achieved this increase thanks to the massive vote in favour of strike action by firefighters and control staff across the country, clearly showing how fed up workers are with wage cuts.
Since 2010, the average firefighter has lost at least 12% of the value of their pay.
We will now ballot our members. Frontline firefighters and control room staff will decide if this offer is a real improvement.
Our internal discussions will be honest and sober. While the offer is better than last year, it still amounts to a real terms pay cut.
Meanwhile, plans to announce strike dates and action are on hold, pending the ballot outcome.
With 88% backing industrial action in our ballot, the mandate remains strong.”
