Following a damning report into harassment and discrimination in the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the Welsh government has intervened by appointing four external commissioners.
Cerith Griffiths, Fire Brigades Union executive council member for Wales said:
“The review into South Wales Fire and Rescue Service revealed serious issues of misogyny, racism, homophobia, and harassment, and uncovered a litany of failures by fire service leaders.
“The Fire Authority and fire service managers must face up to the damning indictment of this report. It is no wonder that firefighters have lost confidence in those at the top of the service.
“We need decisive action. All firefighters must be able to go to work without the threat of bullying, abuse or mistreatment. As the only democratic and representative body for firefighters and control room staff, the Fire Brigades Union will take a leading role in the fight for equality.”
Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary said:
“Discrimination, harassment and bullying have no place in the fire and rescue service.
“The public and the workforce must be able to have confidence in fire service leaders, with ongoing scrutiny and transparency. We need democratic accountability for our service, and it is therefore concerning that this matter will be left in the hands of unelected commissioners.
“Today’s statement highlights a range of issues which are unconnected with the original report. These require a separate discussion and should not be conflated with issues of equality.
“We urge government ministers and fire service leaders to ensure that firefighters and their union are involved in the next steps of this process.”
