Firefighters have warned Gloucestershire County Council that they will do “everything in their power” to fight today’s decision to force through changes to shift patterns.
The policy had been halted due to concerns that it could result in firefighters having to leave the service.
The Fire Brigades Union has raised widespread concerns that the imposed changes to working hours will make the job too costly for those with childcare or caring responsibilities, and will take a toll on the mental health of a workforce already under pressure.
At a scrutiny committee meeting this morning, councillor Dave Norman confirmed that the county council will charge ahead with changing firefighters’ shifts from 9 hour days and 15 hour nights, to 11 hour days and 13 hour nights for wholetime community fire stations.
This decision was made despite the scrutiny committee raising the need for a consultation process involving firefighters, after councillors received an “unprecedented" number of letters and emails opposing the change.
25 firefighters attended the public meeting in opposition to the changes.
The union says that firefighters in Gloucestershire feel strongly that this policy is a “kick in the teeth” and will consider taking industrial action as part of a campaign to reverse it.
Kate Yhnell, Fire Brigades Union brigade organiser for Gloucestershire said:
Firefighters across Gloucestershire will be deeply disappointed that the county council has chosen to ignore the concerns of the frontline today.
No firefighter should be put in a position where it is cheaper for them to quit because of the cost of childcare around unworkable shifts.
Gloucestershire fire and rescue offers the worst maternity provision in the country. Instead of improving support for women in the workplace, it is now punishing parents and carers with this unnecessary and damaging policy.
Firefighters have made it very clear that we will not accept shifts that put our wellbeing and future in the service at risk. The FBU will consider all options, including industrial action, in the fight to reverse this damaging policy.”
Dave Roberts, Fire Brigades Union regional secretary for the South West said:
Firefighters are dedicated to protecting our communities, and work extremely hard under immense pressure to save lives and homes.
Gloucestershire County Council has chosen to insult the frontline by refusing to listen to any of the serious issues raised around changes to working hours. This will only have a detrimental effect on the working lives of firefighters in the region, and the service as a whole.
It is shocking that county councillors have chosen to force through these harmful changes despite the warnings of the scrutiny committee and the huge strength of feeling against the policy.
We will do everything in our power to reverse this nonsensical decision.”
Ben Selby, Fire Brigades Union assistant general secretary said:
Fire and rescue services must listen to firefighters when they raise the alarm about damaging changes to working conditions.
Firefighters in Gloucestershire have made it clear that the imposition of new shift patterns will have a negative impact on the workforce and the service.
Gloucestershire fire and rescue service cannot claim to be supporting or recruiting women firefighters while implementing shifts that increase financial pressures on those with caring responsibilities.
Gloucestershire County Council must start paying heed to the frontline by withdrawing this decision immediately."
