FBU general secretary Steve Wright has used his first weeks in office to urge the government to deliver on a package of promises on workers’ rights as quickly as possible.
The Workers’ Rights Bill, which was published in October last year, would improve workers’ rights across the economy.
Crucially from the FBU’s perspective, the Bill would repeal the Minimum Service Levels Act, which could prevent firefighters from taking strike action even where they have voted democratically to do so.
However, there are signs that big business interests will lobby to have key measures watered down.
The FBU played an important role, alongside other unions, in getting Labour to adopt its workers’ rights pledges ahead of the 2024 general election.
Now, the union is applying pressure to have them delivered. In an interview with LBC, Steve Wright issued a direct call to Keir Starmer: “I think the message from the trade unions is: start delivering for working people, and delivering for firefighters who do a great job in their communities.”
Speaking to the Independent, he added: “A properly paid workforce that is better protected against unfair dismissal and has more secure employment is critical to delivering greater growth.
"With the bill due to pass through parliament in a matter of weeks, the government must ensure the legislation on workers' rights is in place much faster than the planned timeframe of autumn 2026.”
Wright met with Keir Starmer in February alongside other union leaders to put the case to the Prime Minister directly.
The Employment Rights Bill includes:
- Scrapping some of the most recent anti-union laws
- Day one rights to unfair dismissal protection, parental leave and more
- The right to a contract reflecting normal hours of work
- Making ‘fire and rehire’ harder
- Establishing the Fair Work Agency
- A Fair Pay Agreement in adult social care
- Reinstating the School Support Staff Negotiating Body
- Increased protection from sexual harassment; gender and menopause action plans; and more rights for pregnant workers
- Wide-ranging reviews including on parental leave, paid carers’ leave, the single status of worker, health and safety guidance, and the right to switch off
The Bill is due to come back to parliament in the coming months. Unions including the FBU will be campaigning to defend and strengthen it.
