Firefighters prepare for ballot for strike action over pay

Firefighters and firefighter control staff are preparing for a ballot on strike action, following  consultation in Fire Brigade Union branches and a meeting of the union’s executive council on 2  September. 

The decision follows firefighters and firefighter control staff receiving a 2% annual pay offer on 27  June, which has not been improved upon despite union representations to multiple parties.  Inflation (CPI) has been measured at 10.1%, meaning that such a pay offer represents a significant  real-terms pay cut. 

The aim is for the ballot to be held in five weeks’ time. 

Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said:

“Taking strike action is always a last resort. But our employers are increasingly leaving us  with no choice. And there is huge anger among firefighters at falling pay. 

“Firefighters must be paid fairly: there is absolutely no question when it comes to this. It is  the responsibility of fire service employers to provide decent pay offers and that has not  happened. 

“The ball is now in the fire service employers’ court. It is not too late for them to make a  much better pay offer for consideration by our members.” 

John McKenzie the Scottish Secretary of the union said, ‘After a decade of cuts firefighters and control room staff in Scotland have seen their pay cut by £4000 in real terms.

This cannot go on.

Inflation is sitting at over 12% and food, energy and other household bills are soaring.

The UK and Scottish Government must fund a fair pay increase for our members who keep communities and businesses safe every day of the year.’