Firefighter catches up with FBU activists at the union’s first Young Members’ School this summer
Recep (Aj) HAWKINS
Avon
Age 21
I joined Avon Fire and Rescue Service in December 2021 and did 14 months on call before applying to go wholetime - that’s when I met FBU reps. Since then I’ve been to a few rallies, and recently lobbied my MP in parliament.
Why did you join the fire service?
I can't stand sitting in an office. It’s cliché but being challenged, going out and doing something out in the public, and making somewhat of a difference are all reasons.
What are the big issues for young members?
As younger members, we’ve only ever really known experiences of losing personnel, appliances, even stations to cuts. We have the experience of finding a job we love and want to do – and many of us will be in it for the next thirty years. But we’ve never experienced investment.
What should the future of fire and rescue look like?
We should have crewing and appliances to a standard that would mean we can turn up to an incident well-equipped, safely, and not exhausted. This needs five firefighters on each truck going out the doors, and multi-pump stations need the resources to crew special appliances.
And like getting medical check-ups for the impact of asbestos, we should have similar medicals for our health, fitness and safety.
Aqeel Diwan
Age 29
Leicestershire
I joined the fire service in 2021, because I wanted a practical job where I felt like I could give back to the community and make a difference.
When did you join the FBU and why?
It’s easy to complain about problems in the fire service, but I joined the FBU because I wanted to be part of an organisation that was bringing about solutions.
What are the big issues young members face?
Young people are really struggling with the financial crisis and the housing crisis right now. It's tough to get into housing market. Rent prices have gone through the roof, which is making it very difficult to save up for a deposit. Even if you can save a deposit, housing is still too unaffordable.
What would you like to see for the future of the fire service?
I'd like to see a more inclusive fire service. Representation of different types of people, reflecting the communities we work in, is getter a lot better and I’d like that to continue to grow.
What’s your message for the government?
Come down from Westminster and see the work we do. Politicians should have a better understanding of the service and our jobs – if they did, they would see the reasons why we need better funding.
ALEX KINCH
London
Age 27
I joined two years ago. It was never a job I thought I could aspire to, but it suddenly clicked in my head that I could go for it – and now I love it. It was thanks to my aunt, who is now a judge, and talking to me about being a woman from a working-class background in a male dominated field: not allowing glass ceilings to stop you progressing.
Why and how did you get involved in the FBU?
A rep at my station encouraged me to apply for FBU women’s school, and I found it really welcoming and supportive.
What are the big issues for young members?
As a young worker in the fire brigade, the hierarchy can make it feel like you can’t make a change. But that’s not true, and it’s empowering to realise that you do have a voice – especially at events like a union school.
How does the fire service need to change?
Fire and rescue services still need to become much more accepting, supportive workplaces. And we need better funding, better resources, especially as climate change is changing the nature of the job.
What message would you send to politicians?
Currently we're seeing people's rights to protest, and workers’ rights attacked. I would strongly urge the government to remember where the Labour Party comes from and what it’s supposed to stand for.
JADE COX
Nottinghamshire
Age 27
So, why and when did you join the FBU?
I've been a member of trade unions in previous jobs, but they were often seen like an insurance policy. I joined the FBU because I want to fight for what’s right, and create a service and legacy to be passed on to generations to come.
What challenges are young members facing?
Most of the reason that this is the best job in the world is because we have shaped it as workers and union members. I believe in the motto “be the change you want to see and be the person you once needed”. The only way to have an impact is through being an active union member. So get involved!
What’s a highlight from your time in the union?
I had a challenge with an injury early on in my career, and an FBU rep helped me with my appeal. He was so dedicated that he jumped on a teams meeting with me from a café in Germany while on holiday – and we ended up winning my case!
JAMIE THOMAS
Age 29
London
Why did you join the fire service and when?
Everyone asks why you joined – I never feel like I have nailed the answer! One big reason was that I wanted a unionised career, because in my previous job we basically had no rights at all at work. We had to take what we were given.
What challenges do younger members face at work?
It can be an intimidating job to start out in, but you adapt to your watch and your watch adapts to you. Going from a recruit to a competent firefighter is a journey, where you have to work a lot out for yourself – and learn to be yourself at work.
What’s your message for Westminster?
They’re trying to save money in the wrong places. 5 million pounds from cutting disability benefits is ridiculous. They just want to force people into low paying jobs in Amazon warehouses. It’s more to help the rich than it is to help us. Running a country isn’t the same as a household budget.
Starmer is a bit of a pushover – he has the chance to do something different but he’s doing the same, if not worse, than the Tories. Reform are a scary right-wing party, but they have shown that it’s possible to start up a new political movement. If I were Labour I’d be worried about a left-wing challenge, from figures like Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana.
KYLE PROSSER
Dorset and Wiltshire
Age 26
Why did you join the fire and rescue service?
I wanted to be there for somebody on the worst day of their lives and just have a positive impact and try and help them.
How should fire and rescue services change?
We could try to integrate generations more, getting fresh viewpoints while still respecting the “old guard”. There’s so much to be learned from people who’ve gone before us, and to be gained from people coming in with new ideas.
What’s your message for ministers and bosses?
We don't want praise or thanks. We want to be properly funded, properly resourced, properly protected so we can do our job and serve the public in our communities to the best of our ability.
