Firefighters in Scotland have forced their employer back to the drawing board, after raising serious concerns about their latest pay, terms and conditions offer. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) will now consider improving its offer, after facing serious criticism from members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU).
An overwhelming turnout of FBU members at a series of “staff engagement meetings” saw concerns raised about the expansion of firefighters’ roles, the reduction or loss of additional payments currently available, and the pay increase on offer. It followed recommendations from the FBU’s executive council and from the Scottish regional committee of the union to reject the offer.
Denise Christie, FBU Scotland secretary, said:
“We’ll consult our members on any serious final offer, but this offer was neither serious nor final. Firefighters deserve a pay rise, but this offer simply won’t give them enough soon enough. The employer has rightly been sent back to the drawing board.
Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said:
“The message from firefighters has been clear – this offer is not good enough. Our members are concerned about the pay figures but also about the small print and about lack of detail in some areas. Across Scotland, our members have mobilised and demanded a better proposal from their employer. It’s workplace democracy in action.”
The SFRS had offered a 16% pay rise phased over four years, in return for expansion of a firefighters’ role and cuts to payments firefighters can claim in return for additional duties and for continuing professional development (CPD).
Employers will now consider their proposal, with a new offer expected in the coming weeks. The FBU will consider any offer through union structures and will consult on any reasonable and serious final offer.
