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| pay campaign 2002 | ||
| To: ALL MEMBERS SOUTHERN
REGION From: DEAN MILLS MEMBERS UPDATE: 14th NOVEMBER 2002 We have seen the tragic loss of life and rescues made in the last 15 hours as I write this. We MUST remain strong and united. We have to avoid the blackmail tactics used against us by the press and some employers. None of us wants to be on strike and I wish I were back at work today. However. We are on strike and that means a removal of our labour. Its doesn’t mean a partial cessation of our duties with a pick and chose response. It has been a week of great mixed emotions. The funeral of Bob Miller, the second strike in the history of the British fire service which has had some form of service since Roman times; and the overwhelming support of the public. Our members solidarity and mutual support has been astounding and a credit to this union. Last night I saw 7 people who disagreed with our strike in passing cars. I saw literally thousands who expressed support. If the military use any of our appliances and equipment as John Prescott has said in parliament an hour ago then it would be a mistake by this government and that is recognised by every CFO and the vast majority of our employers. We have seen the tinkering at the edges with the appliance moves in Morton in Marsh. We have been respectful and disciplined on campaign lines. It would be foolish in the extreme to inflame matters. Following the Queen’s Speech to Parliament today. Andy Gilchrist said “Yet again, the Government has failed to include a modernised Fire Safety Act in its legislative programme. Successive governments have failed to give fire safety the priority it should have despite energetic campaigning over several years by this Union. As long ago as May 2000 the Union presented a draft Fire Safety Bill which was welcomed by the Minister at the time. Since then ministers have fiddled around ‘Nero like’ while lecturing the workforce on its responsibilities. We now demand that the Government turns its attention to productive work on fire safety rather than indulge in hypocritical spin.” Well nothing new then. A government who refuse to properly fund us, refuse to pay us fairly and refuse to protect the public they say they are accountable to. Log onto this site each day for an update on the latest situation We have a regional committee meeting in the morning at 10:30. Any items, leaflets etc you need just call or email. As you are all seeing. Unity is indeed Strength. Dean Mills Regional Secretary Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you have any queries or want any more information please contact me on:
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