VICTORY AT LAST – FBU SUCCESS IN APPEAL COURT OVER ILL-HEALTH PENSIONS

After almost two years of campaigning through the ‘Justice For Firefighter Pensions’ campaign the FBU has finally achieved success. The Court of Appeal today ruled in favour of the FBU and ended this disgraceful attack on ill or injured firefighters. There is a possibility that an appeal could be lodged with the House of Lords but we hope that the Government will now see sense and end this attack on our pensions.

This campaign has been high on the Union’s priority list throughout this time. It is significant that no other organisation within the Fire and Rescue Service had the commitment, energy or resources to take up this fight on behalf of all firefighters.

This campaign was started by the removal of ill-health pensions from three former London firefighters (FBU members) and has been a very worrying time for members of our Service.  This campaign culminated in a superb argument presented by our legal team which convinced the Appeal Court judges of the injustice of the position defended by the Government.

The FBU will now be looking at the written judgement in detail and taking further legal advice. Over the next few days Officials and members will be given a more detailed report of the decision and will be advised on how ill-health retirements should be dealt with in each Fire and Rescue Authority.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the three members involved for their determination throughout this difficult time. I would also like to pay tribute to the thousands of FBU members who became actively involved in this campaign and ensured that it remained at the top of the agenda within our Service. The many meetings attended and the lobbying letters and e-mails to MP’s and other politicians were all essential for our ultimate success.

Together we have demonstrated once again that the Fire Brigades Union remains the only force that can protect the interests of firefighters. The attacks on our Service and on our pay and conditions will not go away but Government and Employers should take note that we stand ready to protect our jobs and our Service by any means necessary.

Best wishes.

Yours fraternally

MATT WRACK