Violence At Work

Conference commends the work of the STUC and the Scottish Executive led by a seconded FBU official on tackling violence at work. This has resulted in an unprecedented response from all sectors involved in serving the public and provided a platform for similar work in other areas of the UK and Europe. However, Conference notes that Fire and Rescue Services in Scotland, apart from superficial acknowledgements have not participated and prefer to condemn attacks on firefighters rather than enter into proactive attempts to train staff in protection techniques including the psychology of rage and how to manage conflict. Conference believes that attacks on any FBU member or anyone serving the public are unacceptable. However until staff are properly trained and protected these attacks will continue and our members placed in unacceptable danger. Conference therefore calls on the Executive Council to use the resources provided by the Scottish Executive to: ● Provide guidance for FBU members in understanding the psychology of rage and anger and protection techniques which do not involve physical restraint. ● Place the success of the STUC/Executive campaign and resources available on the negotiating table with Fire and Rescue Service managements. ● Promote the success of the trade union movement in bringing about real change for workers in the workplace.