13th January 2006

Fire Crews Move Towards Industrial Action Ballot Over Cuts To Pension Scheme

Firefighters have started moves towards a co-ordinated campaign with over one million local government workers.

The Fire Brigades Union's ruling national executive plans a special meeting of the unions conference on 16th February and are recommending a ballot for strike action over plans to cut firefighter pensions.

The union is demanding to know why fire crews are being offered a worse deal than the other 999 services.

Police and ambulance have all secured protection for those in their existing pension schemes.

FBU General Secretary Matt Wrack said: “Fire crews feel they have been kicked in the teeth.

Politicians are quick to publicly praise our skills and dedication while at the same time trying to pick-pocket our pensions.

Police and ambulance have been granted protection for current members of their pension schemes.

We don’t understand why we are being singled out for worse treatment and the public will not understand it either.

We have asked ministers to answer that question at a face-to-face meeting but they have not replied.

There will be no dispute if we are treated fairly and at the moment we are not.

We are planning a recall of our conference and asking it to back calls for strike action.

We want to co-ordinate our campaign with over a million other public service workers who want to protect their pensions.”

***ENDS***

Circular: 2005HOC0352MW                                                                     TO: ALL MEMBERS

4 July 2005

TO: ALL MEMBERS

Dear Brother / Sister

FIRE SERVICE PAY SETTLEMENT

The Fire Service Pay & Conditions Agreement 2003 provided that with effect from 1 July 2005, pay would be increased in line with a new pay formula.

The pay formula agreed was as follows :-

The National Joint Council has agreed that the increase derived from the formula is 3.4%, and will apply to all current pay rates.

A further circular giving full details of the pay rates will be issued as soon as possible.

Best wishes.

Yours fraternally


MATT WRACK
General Secretary

CIRCULAR: 2005HOC0333MW                                                        17 June 2005

TO:   ALL MEMBERS

Dear Brothers/Sisters

UK-Fire Website

At its meeting on 8^th June the Executive Council discussed the issue of the “UK-Fire” website (http://www.uk-fire.net/) which is an internet discussion forum. It was reported to the Executive Council that members and officials in various Regions had complained to Executive Council members about postings on this website. In particular, a number of Executive Council members reported that they or other officials had been the subject of anonymous allegations and/or criticism by individuals posting on the website. It was also reported that members and officials had complained about racist, sexist and homophobic postings and personal abuse on the website.

The Executive Council agreed the following motion:

This Committee condemns the predominately anonymous and venomous personal attacks on FBU members and officials posted on the UK–FIRE web site.  The vicious attacks fail to treat members with dignity and respect and are contrary to the Rules and policies of the FBU.

This Committee notes the concerns reflected at Conference 2005 of potential and actual infiltration and use of the site by the BNP and non-FBU members.

Many of the postings are of a sexist, racist or homophobic nature and are contrary to the aims of the Union’s “All Different All Equal” policies.

This Committee calls on the Executive Council to:

Rule that membership; administration and posting on the UK–FIRE website are contrary and prejudicial to the interest of the Union.  Instruct that no member or official should participate in the aims, objectives or administration of the site by posting on the site, operating or helping to operate it or having any dealings with the site except dealings specifically to ask for the removal of material on the site.

Rule that the site acts out-with the democratic structure and democratic processes of the Union.

Seek further legal advice to identify and take legal/IUD action against the site, its operators, contributors and against members who offend or breach FBU rules and policies.

That a standing EC Sub-Committee be established with a remit to ensure that members and officials who are the subject of postings on this or other websites which undermine the aims and policies of FBU are afforded the full protection of the FBU.  The remit of the Committee will include identifying and initiating the appropriate action against any member or official who fail to uphold the aims and policies of the FBU on this site or any other website.

The Executive Council appointed the following members to the Standing Committee mentioned in the Resolution: Alan McLean, Val Salmon and Mike Smith.

Best wishes.

Yours fraternally

MATT WRACK

GENERAL SECRETARY

PAY FORMULA 2005               Posted 31st May 2005

1. The Pay and Conditions Agreement 2003 included the introduction of a new pay formula that is to be used to calculate the level of pay rise for 2005 and again in 2006.

2. Discussions have commenced with the FBU to determine the specific data that will be used to carry out the calculation and reach an agreed final figure. During those discussions, the Employers Side of the NJC has made clear that we are extremely keen to conclude the discussions in time to enable any pay rise due to be paid in the July salary.

3. Unfortunately the FBU has insisted that it will not conclude the discussions until the April Average Earnings Index (AEI) figures are known, which is likely to be in mid June. This means that it will not be possible to calculate an agreed final figure in time to enable any pay rise to be paid in the July salary.

4. Further discussions will take place once the April AEI figures are available and we will update Fire and Rescue Authorities on progress as soon as possible.

Yours sincerely

Sarah Messenger
Assistant Director – Negotiations

MATT WRACK ELECTED GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE FBU