MTA: Discussions with Greater Manchester and London Fire Brigade: Offers received and members to be balloted

Dear Brother/Sister

MTA: Discussions with Greater Manchester and London Fire Brigade: Offers Received and Members to be Balloted

Separate discussions have been held over a considerable period, between the Fire Brigades Union and representatives from the London Fire Brigade (LFB) and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) concerning fire and rescue service response to incidents involving marauding terrorist attack (MTA).

These talks have taken place against a background which includes the ongoing Manchester Arena Inquiry and the, frankly unhelpful, HMICFRS letter sent to LFB and GMFRS.

This brief circular informs members that as an outcome of those negotiations, the Executive Council received final offers from each of the two fire and rescue services earlier this week. The Executive Council has considered the two offers. Though the offers do not meet all of our aspirations, with all things considered, it is felt that they are sufficient enough for the Executive Council to agree to commence a ballot of the members employed by each fire and rescue service on the offer made by the respective employer. This ballot will commence early in the New Year. The Executive Council further considers that the offers (which are all-but the same) are sufficient for the Executive Council to recommend to members that the offers should be accepted.

Meetings will be convened of the respective Regional/Brigade Committee very shortly. Further information will be provided to members in London and Greater Manchester next week.

Members can be assured that you will be in full receipt of the offer made by your employer and all relevant information for you to consider well before receiving your ballot paper. At this time, the precise details of the balloting arrangements are being finalised.

In the meantime, members are asked to ensure that your details held by the union on the membership database, and in particular your home address, home email account and personal telephone number are correct.

Moreover, discussion meetings will be held with members in-person and/or via video conference. You are asked to take the appropriate steps to try to attend at least one of these meetings.

It is likely that the media will take an interest in this matter. The FBU takes the view that members’ consideration of the offers is one which does not need the assistance of the media and equally does not require the assistance of ‘observers’ in the “Twittersphere” or on wider social media. Accordingly, members are asked not to invite their attention or commentary.

Whilst this circular is addressed specifically to FBU members in London and Greater Manchester, the subject matter will be of interest to all FBU members. Accordingly, a copy will be provided to all members, as will copies of relevant information in the coming weeks.

As above, further information will be provided next week and thereafter.

Yours in solidarity.

Andy Dark
Assistant General Secretary