Fire Brigades Union:

Across the region firefighters and control staff are expressing their anger at the employers u-turn on the pay agreement as unofficial action spreads.

Dean Mills the Regional Secretary said:

“Firefighters and control staff acted honourably and have abided by the pay agreement which ended our recent dispute. Firefighters returned to work on the promise that they would receive a pay rise effective from November 7th. This rise was 7%. The same firefighters now find that with just 3 days to go before that payment is due the employers are offering ½ with the rest due at some time next year”

Firefighters across the region are considering stepping up their unofficial action. Mr Mills stated “I can completely understand why our members are taking unofficial action. If anyone has been told they are going to get a rise as part of a binding agreement then they expect that agreement to be honoured but yet again we see our members being treated disgracefully by our employers who seem hell bent on increasing industrial unrest.”

Employers stated they cannot make the payment as the Audit Commission have yet to complete their work in brigades to ensure aspects of modernisation have been undertaken. Mr Mills added “Our members came to a settlement, accepted the agreed pay rise, and have undertaken even more work. I can see no reason why they should suffer due to the Audit Commission not completing its work.”

For further information contact

Dean Mills, mob 07956 502585, Regional Office on 01494 513034, email:deanmills@hotmail.com