This autumn, the FBU is launching a new national campaign: The Firefighters’ Manifesto.
Although we do not know the precise timing, a general election is rapidly approaching, and it is now overwhelmingly likely that there will be a change of government. In the run-up to these events, it is vital that we set out a stall for the future of our service.
Under the Tories, it has become harder and harder for firefighters to do their jobs. One in five jobs have disappeared (more than 12,000), and our pay has been under attack for 13 years.
At the same time, we have seen ever more fragmentation of our service as standards are cut and then cut again. And rather than standards and policy being set in cooperation with firefighters, chief officers, the NFCC and employers have helped to undermine our profession by endlessly driving through cuts.
The Firefighters’ Manifesto is about setting out a vision for a modern, resilient, joined-up service with the resources it needs and a seat at the table for firefighters.
To win that, we will need every firefighter in the UK to lobby, cajole and persuade their MPs and prospective MPs.
Our national rally on 1 November will be the start of this campaign – I urge you to take part in it.
MIDDLE EAST
As humanitarians, I am sure that all firefighters will be appalled at the events of recent weeks in Israel and Palestine.
Hamas’s attacks on Israeli civilians were horrific and indefensible; they must be condemned. The mass displacement and killings of Gazan civilians and the siege of Gaza is a form of collective punishment.
For now, we need the violence to stop. In the longer run, this situation cannot be solved until there is a just and sustainable peace, with self-determination for everyone.
We send our solidarity to all of those who are the victims of the ongoing violence and injustice, including the many firefighters working round the clock to save lives.
The FBU’s executive council approved a statement on the situation earlier this month, which can be viewed on our website. We have also made donations of £15,000 to Medical Aid for Palestinians and £10,000 to War on Want from the Firefighters 100 Lottery fund.
SCOTLAND – STEPPING UP THE CAMPAIGN
As we report in this issue, members in Scotland are now being consulted on the possibility of industrial action over the devastating package of cuts being imposed by the Scottish government.
Firefighters across the UK will send their solidarity to our Scottish brothers and sisters as they prepare for the next phase of their campaign.
BIBBY STOCKHOLM
Members will be aware that the FBU has taken legal action over fire safety concerns aboard the Bibby Stockholm barge, which is once again housing asylum seekers.
These actions were vindicated by inspectors’ reports which showed that there were significant safety failings on the barge. We are pleased that the government was forced to make changes as a result.
We are proud of the role we have played in this episode and will continue to monitor the situation closely. We hold the possibility of legal action in reserve if further fire safety concerns arise.
