There is no place for racism and misogyny in the fire and rescue service, the FBU said following publication of a review which found that London Fire Brigade (LFB) is “institutionally misogynist and racist”.
It also pointed out that the union has been campaigning on and raising with senior management many of the issues highlighted in the report, and cast doubt on the ability of senior leaders to implement change in their own behaviour.
The review was commissioned after the suicide of trainee firefighter Jaden Matthew Francois-Esprit and examined the culture of the brigade.
It described a “toxic culture” and several horrendous examples of abuse and poor behaviour in the brigade.
In an initial statement after the release of the report, Gareth Cook, FBU regional organiser for London, said it made for difficult reading and that the reported incidents were extremely alarming.
“There is no place for such behaviour or attitudes within the fire and rescue service or within our trade union,” he said.
There are elements of this report which confirm concerns raised by the FBU over many years
Further FBU responses are due to follow as the report continues to be considered by the union.
Cook’s statement said, in part: “The FBU includes organised sections for black and ethnic minority members, for women members, and for LGBT+ members. These sections were created because of discrimination, harassment and inequality within our industry and our union. We will ensure our equality sections are fully involved in any fuller response to this LFB report.
“The FBU has policies in place to address issues of discrimination and harassment, which can include (after due process) the removal of representation from individuals accused of such acts. We shall review the effectiveness of our rules and policies in the light of issues raised and of issues we have identified ourselves.
“The FBU is already engaged in major work on the issue of sexual harassment. This includes issues in the workplace and also, if identified, within our own organisation.
“We have been working with the TUC and with the FBU women’s section on this for some time and will bring forward changes to policies and structures as required.
“There are elements of this report which confirm concerns raised by the FBU over many years. There are also elements of the report which will cause considerable concern and alarm.
“Our rules and policies require every FBU member to treat others with dignity and respect and to challenge offensive behaviour of any kind.
“The union is committed to equality. We campaign against all discrimination by gender, race or ethnicity, sexuality, age, disability and religion or belief. We have a long record of campaigning on such issues.
“We have raised concerns about many of the issues contained within this report historically and as a consequence we remain sceptical about the changes senior leaders will implement with regards to their own behaviours.”
