FIREFIGHTERS in Scotland have voted to go on strike – saying their take-home pay is worth 12% less than what it was more than a decade ago.
Members of the Fire Brigades Union across the UK voted to strike with 88% backing industrial action.
The union has said it will give the Government a 10 day ultimatum to come up with a better pay offer – or workers will walk out.
The acting deputy head of Scotland's fire service said he supported increased pay for firefighters and their right to strike but added "contingency plans" were being developed should a strike take place.
Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), said: "Firefighters across the UK have spoken. The Fire Brigades Union has a decisive mandate for strike action.
"This is an overwhelming vote for strike action against an offer which would mean further significant cuts to real terms wages for firefighters and control room staff. They have already lost at least 12% of the value of their pay since 2010.
"This is an absolute last resort for our members. The responsibility for any disruption to services lies squarely with fire service employers and government ministers.
"Rishi Sunak's government has refused to make funding available for a decent pay offer to firefighters and control staff.
"Firefighters were among Britain's Covid heroes who kept frontline services going during the pandemic. The Prime Minister has badly misjudged the public mood by imposing pay cuts on key workers.
"Our members risk their health and safety, and sometimes their lives, round the clock to keep people safe and serve their communities. However, with inflation and energy bills rocketing, they are now increasingly struggling to pay the bills or to afford the basics.
"The Government and the employers have the power to stop strikes from happening by making a credible offer that can resolve this dispute. The ball is in their court.
"We have delayed calling strikes to allow the employers to meet us and to make a new offer. I hope they take that opportunity. Otherwise, in the coming weeks, we intend to announce a series of strike dates and industrial action."
Stuart Stevens, the interim deputy chief officer of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: "I wholly support a pay increase for our firefighters and absolutely recognise the right of firefighters to strike.
“The FBU represents many firefighters in Scotland and therefore any strike action will have an impact on our emergency response.
“As a fire and rescue service, we have a legal and moral duty to provide an emergency response to the communities of Scotland, including during periods of industrial action.
“I want to assure the public that we are developing contingency plans to enact during any strike and we will respond to any emergency where there is a risk to life or a clear sign of fire.
“We know that the outcome of this ballot may cause concern or feelings of uncertainty.
“This is an unfolding situation which we are closely monitoring and will continue to engage with the FBU, National Joint Council, Scottish Government and other key stakeholders.
“We will know more about what this ballot means for us as a service in the coming weeks and we will keep the public and businesses up to date.
“We also have a wealth of key safety advice on our website – firescotland.gov.uk – to help you stay safe at home, outdoors and in the workplace.”
A UK Government spokesperson said: "We are extremely disappointed with the Fire Brigades Union decision to strike. We are committed to keeping the public safe and have robust contingency plans in place.
“We are working closely with the National Fire Chiefs Council and partners to manage the impact of strike action, whilst ensuring we can continue to deliver vital services to the public.”
