Dear Brother/Sister,

PUBLIC SECTOR UNIONS– INDUSTRIAL ACTION

Members will be aware that a number of unions in the public sector are engaged in campaigns, including industrial action, over pay.  Government policy has attempted to restrict pay rises for this year to 2%.  In relation to the Fire and Rescue Service, our settlement was in line with our conference policy to achieve the pay rise in line with the APT formula.  However, our colleagues in other unions in a number of cases have not reached a settlement. 

This week, Unison local government members will be taking strike action on 16 th & 17 th July, and PCS members in the civil service taking a week of action starting from 16 th July.  On your behalf I have written to the unions involved wishing them well in their campaign.  I would encourage all members to give what support they can by joining pickets, rallies and demonstrations.  The Unison local government strike will involve their members working within the Fire and rescue Service (HQs etc.), and I would particularly urge you to give support where possible.

Best wishes.

Yours fraternally,


MATT WRACK
General Secretary
MW/PW/JW