The fire and rescue service is at a crossroads. After 14 years of austerity, Labour has a duty to deliver for public safety.
In this edition, I set out our plan on pay: for pay progression, pay equality, and a recovery from the damage done under the Conservatives. We are making good progress with fire service employers in negotiations, but in order to deliver we will need investment from central government. We are committed to transparency and regular communication with members throughout this process.
Young members
I was proud to speak at the FBU’s first ever young members school this summer, and we’ve spoken to several of the activists who attended for the cover feature of this issue. All FBU members have a vital role to play, whatever their age, but it is essential that young members become reps. If you’re new, don’t let that be a barrier – step up.
Racism survey
The FBU is determined to lead the transformation of the fire and rescue service when it comes to equalities, and pushing back the bullying, harassment and discrimination that has blighted our service for many years. But we also need to get our own house in order. Last year, we ran an independent research project aimed at understanding the extent of sexual harassment within our union. We are now taking action on the basis of that research. In September, we will be launching a new piece of research, aimed at understanding racism. As Professor Rollock outlines in this issue, it will be open to all members. Please take part.
Palestine
As we report in this edition, it is now a year since the FBU’s donation of a fire truck, laden with humanitarian supplies, was impounded by the Israeli authorities. It was bound for the West Bank, and we have yet to receive an adequate explanation. Gaza is now in the grips of a famine, and people are being gunned down as they queue for food. As a humanitarian profession, and as human beings, I know that firefighters will be appalled by this situation, and we will continue to campaign on this issue.
Fallen comrades
In the last issue of the magazine, we commemorated the deaths of two firefighters, Martyn Sadler and Jennie Logan, who lost their lives in the line of duty at a fire in Bicester, Oxfordshire, on 15 May this year. Both funerals have now taken place. We once again send our deepest sympathies to the families, colleagues and friends of them both, as well as to the loved ones of David Chester, a member of the public who died on the same night.
Office move
After a lot of hard work and anticipation, I am happy to say that this is the last edition of Firefighter that will be assembled from our old Head Office at Bradley House in Kingston Upon Thames. By the time our next issue is published, we will be in Ken Cameron House, our brand new Head Office near King’s Cross. Being based in central London will allow us to do our jobs better, and will make it much easier for members and officials from outside London to reach us.
New Grenfell book
I am delighted to say that Pluto Press has published a new book on Grenfell, Culpable, authored by our own head of policy, Paul Hampton. This book outlines how, for four decades, deregulation was imposed and warnings (including those of the FBU) were ignored by successive governments. It will be an invaluable resource. Details of how to buy a copy are on the back cover.
