Dear Brother/Sister
Urgent meeting for FBU members:
Fire service employers terminate agreement on Covid-19
In circular 2021HOC0022MW we made you aware of the unilateral decision by fire service employers to terminate the Covid-19 support agreements which had previously been so successfully implemented and rolled out across the fire and rescue service. This decision was issued without notice on the evening of 13 January, alongside an inaccurate and misleading press release.
To be clear, the decision of the employers to terminate the agreements is not supported by the Fire Brigades Union and we oppose this action, which comes at a time of national crisis. This decision is irresponsible and compromises safety of the public and of firefighters.
The scrapping of the agreement by the employers is a reckless act by them and demonstrates a dangerous lack of concern for the safety and wellbeing of firefighters. Such an approach will do nothing to assist public safety; if firefighters are not kept safe, they will create additional risks for colleagues, for family members and for the wider public.
Join the meeting – Thursday 21 January
We are inviting FBU members to join a meeting to learn more about how this affects you and your safety at work. We are holding two members’ meetings on:
Thursday 21 January at 11:00 & 19:00.
Members can register for the meetings here:
Register for 11:00 meeting
Register for 19:00 meeting
Or tune in live on the FBU's Facebook page.
Firefighters want to help their communities through this pandemic - but this must not be at the expense of their safety, that of their communities or the services they work in. We will continue fighting to revive this vital agreement and to protect firefighters.
Please read and discuss this circular on branches and through your networks, all members are encouraged to attend these important meetings.
Best wishes
Matt Wrack
General Secretary
