Equality

Farewell Ken Cameron

10 Jun, 2016 By Matt Wrack

Our former general secretary Ken Cameron, a popular, well-known figure in the trade union movement at home and internationally, has died. Born in Scotland, Ken joined the fire service in Birmingham and rapidly became involved in the FBU. He addressed his first conference in 1966 and later became a...

FBU reacts to Theresa May's first speech on the fire and rescue service

24 May, 2016 By infobo

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has responded to the proposals put forward by the home secretary in her speech to the Reform think tank, including a 'cautious welcome' of the idea for the establishment of an independent inspectorate for the fire service. The new inspectorate will replace the current...

New film highlights the gender stereotyping of firefighters

15 Mar, 2016 By infobo

A new film has revealed how children, early on in their education, already define career opportunities as male and female. The film, called ‘Redraw the Balance’, shows how when a group of primary school children were asked to draw a firefighter, surgeon and a fighter pilot, 61 pictures were drawn of...

A different kind of brave

10 Mar, 2016 By William Murphy

I don’t want anyone else to feel alone like I did, transgender firefighter Nic Brennan tells William Murphy Two minutes into my conversation with Cheshire firefighter Nic Brennan and he’s already advising me on my new year’s gym routine. “You’ve got to focus on different muscle groups in each...

Firefighter magazine Feb/March 2016

16 Feb, 2016

The new look Firefighter magazine is now available online. This issue leads on the winter floods crisis that devastated northern areas of the UK late last year and earlier this year. We speak to Nic Brennan about his experience transitioning genders while serving in the fire and rescue service. We...

Firefighter magazine

Obstacles to challenging LGBT discrimination: A TUC survey of union members and representatives

15 Dec, 2015

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Dear Brother/Sister, OBSTACLES TO CHALLENGING LGBT DISCRIMINATION: A TUC SURVEY OF UNION MEMBERS AND REPRESENTATIVES Discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity is illegal...

All different, all equal: A review

09 Dec, 2015

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Dear Brother/Sister, All different, all equal: A review The FBU created a policy to support members who felt discriminated against, bullied or harassed. Over the years we have tried to improve this...

Firefighters condemn Norman Tebbit’s ‘insulting’ remarks about women in the service

14 Oct, 2015 By infobo

The Fire Brigades Union has condemned comments by Lord Norman Tebbit who suggested women should not serve in the fire and rescue service. In an exchange between firefighters Carina Peel and Sean McCallum, who were both in Westminster campaigning against cuts to the fire and rescue service, the...

Firefighters' Union reaction to Jeremy Corbyn's first conference speech as Labour leader

29 Sep, 2015 By infobo

Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union (FBU) general secretary, said: “This was a fantastic speech which hopefully marks a turning point in British politics. “Corbyn’s speech was one of hope, offering a real alternative to the Tory agenda of cuts, austerity and attacks on workers. Firefighters and trade...

Video | Legal update on firefighter pensions

22 Sep, 2015 By infobo

Following pension claims from over 14,000 firefighters the FBU have launched a significant age discrimination legal challenge against the government. The move follows four years of negotiations with the government for improved transitional protection arrangements for firefighters. The union has been...

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