Submitted by SWFBU on
15 July 2013
TO: ALL MEMBERS
Dear Brother/ Sister
COMMUNICATIONS FROM GOVERNMENT AND EMPLOYERS
FBU LETTER TO CLG FIRE MINISTER BRANDON LEWIS – 12 JULY 2013
As the Union launches a ballot of members for industrial action you will not be surprised that various other parties have started to make direct contact with Firefighters. Government Ministers, some local employers and some Chief Fire Officers have begun to express their concerns at the stance the Union has been forced to take. This is disappointing but perhaps not surprising. The Union has attempted to raise the issue of capability with Fire Service employers for several months. They have refused to even discuss the matter, arguing that it is not a national issue.
Similarly, over the past two years we have raised with Fire Service employers, Chief Officers and others the various concerns we have and the arguments we have developed around them. We have shared the evidence we have presented to support our case. Throughout that time, nobody has ever been able to challenge our case. Nor have they attempted to address the issues we have raised with Government. We can only assume that the various other parties have been hoping the issue of Firefighter pensions would simply go away. Unfortunately, it has not and the deadline set by Brandon Lewis has brought matters to a head.
Please ensure that your local officials are made aware of any communications sent out by employers or Chief Officers locally so that a response can be prepared as required.
Please find attached a copy of a letter sent to Brandon Lewis on 12 July 2013 in reply to the deadline he set for a response to his latest proposal.
In normal circumstances we would wait for a response to a letter sent before issuing it more publicly but on this occasion it is important that you are aware the points we have raised in response to the deadline set by the Government.
It is important that you keep fully informed of the position as it develops.
Yours fraternally
MATT WRACK
GENERAL SECRETARY
