‘Strong Support’ Among Firefighters For Strike Action
Written by HFM News on 20th December 2022
The Fire Brigades Union says there is ‘strong support’ among its members across Leicestershire and Northamptonshire in taking strike action.
Firefighters and control room staff are being balloted on walking out, after rejecting a 5% pay offer.
Adam Taylor, regional secretary for the FBU in the East Midlands spoke to HFM:
If a national strike were to take place, it would be the first over pay since 2002-2003.
The ballot closes on 30 January.
Market Harborough Fire Station
A spokesperson for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service told HFM: “We accept that the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) are balloting their members for strike action, and as an organisation we are planning to ensure that we can still provide a service to the communities of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland should strike action take place.
“Any such service would be greatly reduced compared to our normal response. We hope for an outcome which does not require the response of strike action.”
A spokesperson for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Firefighters do an important and valuable job and we understand their concerns about pay at a time when everyone is being squeezed by inflation.
“The FBU is balloting its members on this national dispute, pay is negotiated nationally, not locally, and we understand and respect the right of every firefighter to vote as they see best.
“While awaiting the Union’s decision, we are making plans to provide services that keep the county safe in the best way that we can should any industrial action take place.”
