Submitted by SWFBU on
6 June 2014
TO: ALL MEMBERS ENGLAND, SCOTLAND AND WALES
cc: Regional Officials
Dear Brother/Sister
INDUSTRIAL ACTION SHORT OF STRIKE: 12 JUNE UNTIL 22 JUNE
Further to circular 2014HOC0310MW which set out the dates and times and which members are called upon to take part in industrial action short of a strike, I can now inform you of the forms of action to be taken.
This call to Action Short of Strike applies to all firefighter (i.e. non-control) members in England, Scotland and Wales.
The industrial action short of a strike you are called to take on these dates/times is as set out below.
1. A refusal to undertake voluntary overtime, non-contractual overtime or additional voluntary hours.
2. A refusal to train those who it is intended will be used by an FRA to provide emergency cover in the event of strike action.
3. And, for the remainder of the shift during which strike action is taking place, members will not answer calls in any other Brigades where those other Brigades are applying partial performance deductions of salary.
• Prior to the commencement of action, members will be notified of any Brigades affected by this decision (point 3). We still hope that any such employers will see sense and make clear that the only pay docked will be for periods of strike action called by the union.
Background to these decisions
I am sure all members will appreciate the need for the calls for the action set out in point 2 and point 3. The Executive Council is clear that the FBU will not allow members in individual Brigades or individual departments (for example Training) to be isolated or targeted as a result of the decisions of Chief Fire Officers or Fire and Rescue Authorities.
The Fire Service employers have claimed throughout the past eight months that this dispute is a matter between the FBU and the relevant Ministers. Despite this, many continue to circulate to their staff misleading and one-sided information from Brandon Lewis and others, without applying the same approach to the answers or information provided by the FBU. Others have chosen to victimise our members for taking limited and lawful strike action by docking pay for the duration of any affected shift.
These steps, taken by employers (on the recommendation of Chief Fire Officers) undermine the claims of neutrality, and any claims of sympathy for the plight firefighters are in as a result of the disgraceful attacks on our pensions.
The various options for Action Short of Strike will be kept under review and may be subject to change on future occasions.
Please ensure all members are made aware of this circular and continue to discuss options for this and any future industrial action which may be necessary.
Best wishes.
Yours fraternally
MATT WRACK
GENERAL SECRETARY
