Pay: Employers Still Refuse to Make an Offer

Dear Brother/Sister

The Executive Council met yesterday and heard a report on the latest discussions around the issue of pay. You will recall that on 7 June at a meeting of the National Joint Council (NJC) the Employers stated that they were 'minded' to make an offer on pay but wished to discuss further so-called 'reform' of Conditions of Service.

The Executive Council had expected that some proposal on pay would be made which could be considered by FBU members. However, in discussion with Employers' representatives over the past few days a significant further complication has arisen.

The Employers have informed us that they will not make any offer or proposal on pay if the Union intends to consult our members in any way on such a proposal. In other words, any proposal on pay would have to be accepted by the Executive Council without the possibility of wider consultation or discussion.

The Executive Council discussed this position and immediately agreed that such a position is completely unacceptable and is an attempt to interfere in the internal structures and democracy of the Fire Brigades Union.

Regrettably, therefore we remain in the position that we have registered a claim for a pay rise and the Employers have refused to make an offer in response.  The Executive Council agreed that we should therefore begin to take the necessary steps to implement our Conference policy on this matter. Head Office officials will therefore begin to draw up plans for developing our campaign on the issue of pay and will address how this impacts on the various other campaigns already planned or underway.

It appears that the Employers now intend to impose a third year of pay freeze, even though there is very clearly money available for pay. The Union will now begin our campaign and discussion with members with a view to moving towards national industrial action at the appropriate time. This is an unfortunate position, but it is one entirely created by the Fire Service Employers and their failure to negotiate in accordance with the normal processes of industrial relations.

This situation will be reported to Ministers and to Local Government associations in the various parts of the UK and the Executive Council will meet again shortly to discuss next steps.

Best wishes.

Yours fraternally

Matt Wrack

General Secretary

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