Although a ballot of Fire Brigades Union members resulted in a landslide vote in favour of industrial action over attacks on pensions, firefighters have said consistently that a strike was a last resort and that they would rather find a negotiated, sensible solution to the issues at stake.
As a result, immediately after the ballot result, the union wrote to the ministers responsible for fire and rescue in Westminster, Hollyrood and Cardiff to seek further talks.
The Scottish government contacted the FBU on the day of the ballot result with some suggestions about a possible way forward. Since then, there have been meetings with the Scottish government. As a result of these talks, the union expects to be able to issue a revised proposal from the Scottish government shortly.
Following a letter to the Welsh Fire Minister, union officials we were invited to a meeting with the First Minister for Wales, Carwyn Jones, and his team. This meeting took place on Wednesday 4 September and was the first opportunity firefighters had had to put their case directly to the leader of the Welsh government. The FBU set out firefighters’ case and clearly emphasised the urgency of the matter in view of the strike ballot result. First Minster Jones gave assurances that firefighters’ concerns would be considered in detail.
The FBU has also had a further discussion with the Fire Minister Brandon Lewis, where it was able to set out our position in the aftermath of our ballot and explain the urgency of the situation.
As a result of these meetings, the union has not yet set dates for industrial action. Officials will continue to work hard on finding a negotiated settlement to the issues.
The FBU’s Executive Council will meet again next week to consider any progress. Any developments will be published at www.fbu.org.uk
Members can read more on this issue in the circular 2013HOC0508MW.
