Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Chronicle Live
Chronicle Live
National
Alan Jones, PA Industrial Correspondent & Sophie Brownson

Firefighters' strikes called off as union to vote on new pay deal offered

Strikes by firefighters have been put on hold following an increased pay offer.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said it had been offered a 7% pay rise backdated to July 2022, and then 5% from July this year.

The union had warned of strikes if a previous 5% pay offer was not increased following a huge vote in favour of industrial action.

READ MORE: Newcastle speed dating agency has shortage of men over 40 for Valentine's event with 'dozens' of women on waiting list

The union has put the new offer to a ballot of its members and has postponed the announcement of strike dates pending the outcome.

The FBU said it will have an “honest and sober” discussion of the offer, adding it still amounts to a real-terms pay cut given the rate of inflation.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “This offer is testament to the power of collective action through the Fire Brigades Union.

“Last year we were offered an insulting 2%. 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% 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.”

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.