Strikes by firefighters have been postponed after crunch talks yesterday resulted in an improved pay offer, but Greater Manchester crews suggested it may not be enough to avert industrial action. The Fire Brigades Union had rejected an initial two per cent pay rise, and then an improved offer of five percent.
As a result crews were balloted and voted overwhelmingly to take industrial action. But after negotiations with employers, the FBU said it had been offered a seven percent pay rise backdated to July 2022, and then five percent from July this year. It will now ballot members to see if this is acceptable.
As reported in the Manchester Evening News, a team of senior fire officers known as "chaperones" will be used to tackle front-line incidents in the event of crews going on strike in Greater Manchester. They will be joined by "stand-in" firefighters recruited partly in case of industrial action.
The Manchester Evening News understands that 19 high-ranking officers will be put on operational duty if action goes ahead. Crews made up of Emergency Fire Cover staff would join them in manning fire engines.
Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, had previously said how firefighters are 'struggling with the cost of living crisis' following a 'raw pay deal'. He said the fire service has 'not necessarily been prioritised in the past' and workers are 'worrying about what's going on' with their own family budgets.
The new pay offer may still not be enough to satisfy Greater Manchester crews. One Greater Manchester firefighter said: "The 5 per cent was a non starter, when you take into account the cost of living. If we were to get the same kind of offer which is being suggested for London firefighters - 11 per cent - we would get back round the table."
Another firefighter from the region said: "It still does not match what we feel we deserve and need in the current economic climate."
But yesterday the Executive Committee of the FBU postponed the announcement of strike dates pending the outcome of the ballot. The union says strike ballot results were crucial to achieving the new offer. Last week, 88 percent of firefighters and control room staff in England, Scotland and Wales voted in favour of strike action on pay on a 73 percent turnout. In Northern Ireland, 94 percent voted in favour.
The union has said it will have an “honest and sober” discussion of the offer, which still amounts to a real terms pay cut given the rate of inflation. Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: "Today, firefighters were given a new pay offer. This offer is testament to the power of collective action through the Fire Brigades Union. Last year we were offered an insulting 2 per cent. The employers have now revised their position.
"We have achieved this increase because of the massive vote in favour of strike action by firefighters and control staff across the country, which made clear the strength of feeling among firefighters about cuts to their wages. Since 2010, the average firefighter has lost at least 12 per cent of the value of their pay.
"We will now ballot our members. Frontline firefighters and control room staff will make the decision on whether this pay offer is considered a real improvement. Our internal discussions will be honest and sober. While the offer is improved from last year, it still amounts to a real terms pay cut.
"Meanwhile, plans to announce a series of strike dates and industrial action will be postponed, pending the outcome of the ballot. Eighty eight percent of firefighters voted for industrial in our ballot. The mandate for strike action by firefighters remains."
Prior to the improved offer, a watch manager from Bolton Borough described how a ‘real terms’ loss of £4,000 to his salary means having to explain to his young family why they can’t have the heating on over winter: “I don’t think it’s right that anyone should have to have that conversation with their kids, yet alone someone with a so-called professional job.
“I didn’t join this job for the money, but I’ve lost roughly £4,000 on my annual salary in real terms. I’m just about keeping afloat financially, but there is no wiggle room at all. I don’t know what I’m going to do when my mortgage goes up. Things are really tight.
“Going on strike is the last thing I want to do, but I feel I have no choice. It’s over to the government now to step in and make a reasonable offer that firefighters can live on before the FBU announce the strike dates.”
The Fire Brigades Union has described a new Government bill requiring a ‘minimum’ level of service during industrial action as an ‘attack on Britain’s Covid heroes’.
New laws set will require ambulance staff, firefighters and railway workers to provide a set level of service whilst striking. Business Secretary, Grant Shapps, said the bill is a ‘common-sense’ response to recent industrial unrest.
