The Fire Brigades Union has responded to the Labour Party manifesto, welcoming commitments to improve the fire and rescue service and strengthen workers’ rights.
Labour has committed to scrap anti-union laws which seek to ban firefighters and control staff from taking effective strike action, and to implement the New Deal for Working People.
The manifesto pledges to implement new national standards in the fire and rescue service and to safeguard collective bargaining in the fire and rescue service and in other sectors.
Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said the union would “hold Labour’s feet to the fire” to deliver on the promises.
The FBU is affiliated to Labour in England and Wales.
Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said:
The Fire Brigades Union has fought hard for this manifesto to deliver for firefighters, by committing to national standards for the fire and rescue service and defending collective bargaining in our sector.
For fourteen years, workers have faced constant attacks on their pay, pensions and public services under Conservative rule.
Labour’s commitment to strengthening workers’ rights has the potential to improve the lives of millions. Reversing recent draconian anti-trade union laws will be a vital first step in undoing the damage of the last decade.
It will be our duty to ensure that a new Labour government makes good on these promises within the first 100 days of taking power. We will hold Labour’s feet to the fire.”
