The FBU’s first in-person conference since the Covid pandemic is taking place over four days at The Grand Hotel, Brighton from 10-13 May.
The conference is considering resolutions, executive council policy statements and rule changes, with proposals on all of these coming from branches, brigades and regions across the country, and sections from across the union. The conference is also a great chance for members to catch up with each other after recent years of disruption.
Conference resolutions include multiple motions on the FBU’s DECON project, a motion on fire control staff being left out of the Platinum Jubilee medal, and motions covering terms and conditions.
Meanwhile, there are executive council policy statements on the cost of living crisis and pay, sexual harassment, the Grenfell Tower disaster, and more.
Brendan Woodhouse, a firefighter and FBU member who has volunteered in rescuing refugees at sea, will be recognised with a medal at the conference (you can read more about Brendan in a Firefighter interview with him, on p10 here).
There will be several fringe events at the conference, including one on the Thursday evening which will feature music from artists including John Power of The La’s and Cast, and the FBU’s very own Steve White, performing with his band the Protest Family. MPs Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell are set to attend the Thursday of the conference, and will speak at the fringe event in the evening.
The conference is in session from approximately 9.30am-5.15pm each day. The address of The Grand Brighton is 97-99 Kings Rd, Brighton BN1 2FW.
All FBU members are entitled to attend the conference. Please contact your branch or brigade officials if you’d like to find out more information about the conference or attending.
