Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority says it has reached “the very limits of what is affordable” in pay offers to firefighters as its union voted in favour of industrial action.
It was confirmed on Monday by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) that its members had voted overwhelmingly in favour of taking strike action in response to increasing concerns over pay. The FBU has said it will give the government and employers 10 days to come forward with what it calls an “improved offer” to put to its members before a walk out would take place.
Responding to the potential strike action, a Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority spokesperson said in a statement Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan and the authority itself had “consistently opposed cuts to the fire and rescue service over many years.” The spokesperson said: “The authority and Chief Garrigan have repeatedly made representation to the government to demonstrate that they do not agree with the way firefighter pay is negotiated having seen firefighter and control room staff pay fall below inflation in recent years.
