Dear Brother/Sister
While all members will be focused on the urgent issue of our campaign to defend pensions it is also essential that we continue to pursue a resolution to the issue of pay. The link between the attacks on pensions and the employers' pay freeze was highlighted during our Annual Conference in May and has been discussed at many members' meetings since then.
The question of pay was raised by the Union again at last week's meeting of the National Joint Council. We reminded the employers that there had been no agreement on pay since 2009 and that their unilaterally imposed pay freeze was causing increasing hardship among FBU members, especially at a time of high inflation. In addition, we reminded them that the Government proposal to significantly increase employee pension contributions (already among the highest in the public sector) threatens to further undermine living standards in the Fire Service.
The Fire Service has seen considerable change over the past ten years and especially following the 2003 Pay and Conditions Agreement. We reminded the employers that any improvements in the performance or standing of the Fire Service have generally been as a direct result of the contribution of the workforce. We reminded them that they have regularly found money to make significant increases in the pay of Chief Fire Officers and others in principal management positions while telling the majority to 'tighten belts'.
We made clear the determination of FBU members not to allow the Fire Service to return to the low pay status which existed prior to the national strike in 1977/78.
We sought agreement for early discussion with the employers and it was agreed that a separate meeting would be arranged with leading members of the employers' side as soon as possible to discuss our concerns in more detail and identify whether the employers are willing to seriously address these. Further reports will follow as necessary.
Best wishes.
Yours fraternally
Matt Wrack
General Secretary
2011HOC0496MW
Circular ref
2011HOC0496MW
