Jamie (Ted) McDonald, branch rep, Lochgelly, Scotland
What made you want to become a rep?
In 2023, I was part of the campaign against ‘temporary cuts’ being forced through without public consultation in Scotland. I then transferred to Lochgelly fire station and learned what being an FBU rep is all about: fighting wider issues like cuts, standing against injustices on station, and making conditions better for all of us.
What are the major issues impacting the members you represent?
Job cuts. Recently the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) conducted a public consultation on cuts across the country. Both options that have been presented to the public in Lochgelly involve our station losing a fire engine, twenty firefighters, and our rope rescue unit.
Our members are worried about the increased risk to the communities we serve, and the dangers to us, as firefighters, having to do more with less.
What’s been your proudest moment during the campaign against cuts so far?
Seeing the community stand together as part of our campaign against these cuts (which the service calls ‘changes’). We organised a public meeting, bringing residents together with FBU members, which was a huge success. Then, at our local public consultation meeting organised by the SFRS, there wasn’t enough space in the room to fit all the people who turned up!
What have you learned during your most recent campaign?
It is much easier for those at the top to cut public services or make our working conditions worse if we are divided.
Who are your working class / trade union heroes?
Watching Eddie Dempsey and Mick Lynch handle the smears and attacks from the press around the 2022 rail strikes was inspiring. Also, listen to Ricky Tomlinson at Jamie Webster’s Concert at Sefton Park, especially his “Something’s Gotta Give” poem!
What piece of advice would you give a new rep?
Your voice is so much more powerful with the weight of your members behind you, for the little wins on station or bigger campaigns.
What was the last thing you read or had a conversation about that made you think differently about something?
You don’t have to change who you are as a person when speaking to those in a position of authority.
If you had the aux cord at a rally, what song would you play?
Dropkick Murphys - Who Will Stand With Us
