The ballot for industrial action for Merseyside members is now live.
After six months of action short of strike in response to sustained attacks on terms and conditions, as well as the imposed reduction in night-time staffing in Fire Control, this is your chance to send a clear message to Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.
FBU members will not stand by as our nationally agreed terms and conditions of service are attacked and eroded.
Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service employers are trying to cut your voice out of conversations about your terms and conditions of service.
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Merseyside Fire control members: vote yes to take strike action in response to the imposed reduction in night-time staffing numbers and a shift system that was never subject to negotiation.
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Merseyside frontline firefighters and Green Book employees: vote yes for a continued overtime ban in response to continued attacks on members terms and conditions of service.
Return your ballot paper by post before 21st August 2023 to have your say.
We will not be silenced. Vote YES for industrial action in Merseyside.
What’s at stake?
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service is currently attempting to impose these changes without negotiating with the union:
- REDUCING NIGHT – TIME STAFFING IN CONTROL
The imposed reduction in night-time staffing numbers in Merseyside Fire Control Room from the agreed level of 6 to 5
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MORE WORK FOR LESS PAY
The introduction of new duty shift systems - without negotiation - which essentially require new firefighters and firefighters Control to work both wholetime and retained, and breach nationally agreed terms and conditions in relation to overtime rates of pay. The Fire Brigades Union are not seeking to remove ANY duty shift system, we are simply seeking to ensure that all duty shift systems are negotiated, agreed and that our members are paid the correct rates for casual overtime.
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FORCED TO WORK ON DAYS OFF
Apprentices being required to attend the workplace outside of core hours to undertake training sessions, assessments, charity days and exams
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CHANGING THE ROLE WITHOUT FIREFIGHTERS’ AGREEMENT
The non-agreed expansion of the firefighter role in contracts for all new entrants is a direct attack on collective bargaining and leaves firefighters unsure of exactly what activities Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service may contractually require them to undertake next.
Together, this adds up to an attack on working conditions and terms for FBU members in different roles across Merseyside.
Who can vote?
All FBU Merseyside members, including frontline firefighters, fire control staff, and Green Book members.
How do I vote?
When you receive your ballot paper in the post, add a cross in the ‘YES’ box to vote yes to taking industrial action. Then post it back as soon as possible with the free post envelope included.
What if I haven’t received a ballot paper?
If you have not received your ballot paper by July 31st, get in touch with your Brigade Officials with your name, email address, address, and membership number (if you have it) to order a new one.
Brigade Officials contact details:
Brigade secretary Ian Hibbert: [email protected]
Brigade chair Lee Hunter: [email protected]
Brigade organiser Graeme Jones: [email protected]
