Pay

Conference congratulates those public sector workers who took strike action in a number of sectors on April 24th. Conference condemns the attempt by Central Government to restrict the pay rises of public sector workers in response to fears about inflation. Conference does not accept that there is any proven link between public sector pay settlements and movements in inflation. Indeed the pay of public sector workers has often tended to lag behind inflation leading to cuts in real pay for public servants. Conference pledges full support to any group of public sector trade unionists forced to take industrial action as a result of these policies. Conference urges all members to attend picket lines, rallies and demonstrations in support of such campaigns and calls on Brigade and Regional Committees to coordinate such support. Conference pledges support for the TUC lobby on the issue of public services on Monday 9th June. Conference urges all Regions to arrange a delegation to attend this event. Conference instructs the Executive Council to continue current pay negotiations in pursuit of the continuation of the Pay Formula linking increases within the Fire and Rescue Service to movements in the average pay of APT employees. This formula was agreed for 2005 and 2006 and the percentage pay rise resulting from this formula was successfully achieved in 2007. Conference believes that the operation of a formula is the best way to address the issue of pay within the Fire and Rescue Service for the benefit of all. Should the employers not agree to the pay rise due as a result of the operation of the APT formula then the Executive Council are instructed to initiate consultation with members with a recommendation for national strike action.