Since the last issue of Firefighter, the far reaching effects of the cost of living crisis can be felt across our movement.
It is the result of global private profiteering and government mismanagement of the economy, and shows no sign of letting up.
The cost of living measured by the consumer prices index (CPI), was 7.8% higher in April 2022 than a year before.
Enough is enough
Figures can feel meaningless, but what really stings is extortionate fuel costs, energy bills spiralling out of control and the monthly food shop nearly double what it was a few years ago.
Public sector workers are bearing the brunt of these costs – as bills are skyrocketing, pay is stagnating. The government gives its friends in business profitable contracts, tax breaks and favours, but refuses to act to help ordinary workers.
The public sector, including the fire and rescue service, has faced decades of central funding cuts, pay caps, imposed pay review bodies and other limits designed to hold down the pay of all public sector workers.
On Saturday 18 June, FBU members stood with thousands of ordinary workers to demand better. To shout loudly that enough is enough, and the movement will not stand for it.
We marched through the streets of London condemning this government. Time and time again they have shown they don’t care about workers.
As we enter into pay negotiations with the National Joint Council, this will be at the forefront of our minds as we fight for our pay, terms and conditions.
Grenfell
14th June marked five years since the fire at Grenfell Tower in West London.
FBU members from across the UK joined with the community at the silent walk.
Firefighters and the Grenfell community have a bond that was forged in tragedy and we stand in solidarity with all bereaved, survivors and residents.
Five years on, it is a time for reflection, and to remember all those who lost their lives and the loved ones they left behind.
Their legacy lives on in the fight for justice. The community has faced constant denials from those responsible for Grenfell being covered in cladding as flammable as petrol.
They have endured a wait for criminal charges that continues to this day. They inspire us all with their relentless fight for justice and we continue to stand in solidarity with them every step of the way.
Did you know?
During the Covid pandemic the incomes of 99% of the world’s population fell.
At the same time the richest ten men in the world saw their wealth increase from $700 billion to $1.5 trillion.
Don’t let them tell there is no money for wages, homes or public services.
