To: ALL MEMBERS SOUTHERN REGION

From: DEAN MILLS

MEMBERS UPDATE: 24th NOVEMBER 2002

The Quashed Offer

“At 5am there was a draft agreement on the table and we were about to vote on it, a vote which would have carried. John Prescott refused it. He has said he was at ‘arms length’ and then suddenly, at 5am he changed tact and pressed the nuclear button”

Was this said by an FBU official? NO it was Brian Coleman. Conservative Local Government Representative for London talking at 13:21 Sunday 24th November 2002 on BBC2’s TV programme Metropol.

IT IS CLEARLY NOT ONLY THE FBU WHO INSIST MR PRESCOTT
INTERFERES DESPITE ALL HIS DENIALS

Ministerial Pay

Ministers have had some increases as we have highlighted recently. We know about Blair’s 41% rise but a little deeper digging shows a wider picture.

The PM’s job has had an 85 % pay rise since 1996, remember Blair started in ’97. That is equivalent to an 11 % year on year increase for six years. MP and cabinet ministers have had a 61% pay rise in the same period equating to a 8.5 % year on year increase for six years.

The Prime Minister in 1996 earned £92642 in 2002 they earn £171554. AN 85% INCREASE in just six years. A Cabinet Minister in 1996 earned £78076 in 2002 they earn £124979. A 61% INCREASE in just six years. This year the MP basic salary is £ 55118, in 1996 the MP basic salary was £34085.

IF THEY ARE WORTH IT THEN GOOD LUCK TO THEM.
ALL WE WANT IS A FAIR RATE OF PAY TOO.
IS THAT REALLY TOO MUCH TO ASK?

MEMBERS AND THE PUBLIC MIGHT ALSO WANT TO ASK THEIR MP THIS QUESTION: “Why is it that the short term £80 million needed to settle this dispute is too much money especially as it will only be a bridging loan yet MP’s have had £200,000,000 spent on their offices to make them a better place in which to work. Is it true MP’s have written to FBU members stating “It is for Modernisation”

What is it we have refused to do?

Many members of the public and indeed FBU members have asked what it is this Government want from modernisation. I am afraid I cannot expand more because as we already do almost all they ask I am at a complete loss as to what in addition they want. I know we differ on how many of us should protect the public at night. The Government want less Firefighters and we want to provide the same level of protection as people die in fires AT NIGHT.

If anyone else knows why the Government have continued to fight us when we have already agreed to ALL their demands please let me know.

Arson attacks

Despite doing EVERYTHING the Government have asked we now see members having arson attacks on their homes. Police are investigating cases in Kettering and in our own Region. An update will follow shortly but take additional care.

Costs

The foot and mouth outbreak, ID Cards, Energy Company ‘Loans’ which are not repaid, Government decoration for offices, Failed helicopter repairs, Nimrod aircraft wings which don’t fit, crashed Navy ships, cover during strike action etc. What have they all got in common? They cost far more than to settle our pay adjustment to a fair level.

Visits

To every Branch I have visited and those officials have been to. Thanks for the warm welcome whether its lunchtime in the rain or 2am in the dark and rain! The solidarity is truly amazing.

Public Support

61% of the public support strike action. Largest poll to date as at 13:38 today Sunday. What is amazing is that it is for Strike action not pay. (Source : BBCLRD. Sample size 3219.)

Just a quick sample of the sort of support in the last two days:

A disable pensioner apologised that he could only give THREE bags of shopping to a campaign line but would drop more off on Friday. Don’t worry we said you have been more than generous. I will do it again on Friday he said but I will have to wait till then as my pension won’t be in until then!

Rachael thank you for your pocket money last night which you donated at Beaconsfield. I hope you like the tee shirt they are now all gone but you did the same as a young lady in Windsor. We cannot express how much this means to us and we are extremely humbled.

Denny. Saving life is our job. Thank you for the card and donation. It was very moving and we agree. What this Government sow, so shall they reap.

Didcott have a very nice cake collection growing as do many of you. I bet they will keep warmer though.

To our union friends in Reading yesterday THANK YOU. What a very generous donation.

YOUR MP and Councillors

Please all invite YOUR MP and councillor to attend our campaign lines THIS WEEK. Email, write and phone and copy ALL to me WITH ALL replies or otherwise for use in the future.

Jim Fitzpatrick

Jim used to be a Firefighter. He was also on the FBU executive as an EC member for London. He said John Prescott did get out of bed on Friday Morning. Well Jim of course he did but at what time? Jim also said that there is a clear consensus of public support that we need fair pay.

Thanks for the long overdue support Mr Fitzpatrick. Perhaps some of your previous comments will have to be circulated more widely! Then again they may come as no surprise as you are now a Government whip…..He who pays the piper…..

RMT Support

Asked why the RMT would support Firefighters toady on Live TV Pat Sikorski gave an example: A Driver on a tube train on Friday was ordered to enter a tunnel where smoke was issuing. It is an offence not to do so and would be a discipline case. What a disgraceful position for public safety on the tube. No wonder they are to ballot over safety.

Notices

Regional Committee Meeting Monday at noon Regional Office.

Billy Bragg Support Concert Later this week High Wycombe and Basingstoke. 28th Basingstoke Anvil. 29th High Wycombe Swan outside Fire Station!

Monday 8:30 am MP attends Reading Picket Line…watch this space

Unison meeting on 30th November Winchester. Update will follow for all members who appreciate the support of the TUC and all unions.

Wednesday

Wednesday is the allocated day for those of you driving to do shopping etc to visit other branches and brigades to offer your support to them. Drop by the Campaign line and say hello and have a cup of tea.

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:

Mob: 07956 502585

Regional Office: 01494 513034

email:deanmills@hotmail.com