Submitted by SWFBU on
TO: ALL MEMBERS
PENSIONS: STRIKE ACTION AND NEXT STEPS
All FBU members should be extremely proud of the determination, solidarity and discipline shown by the members in England and Wales who took strike action on 25 September. The Union had stated that this action was a warning shot and would be a sign of the determination of our members. That was demonstrated very clearly on the day. There was widespread reporting of high levels of public support for our action and it was clear that on many of the key points of debate the public, and even large sections of the media, understood the strength of our argument.
The Executive Council met the following day in order to debrief on the day and on the issues raised. I am sure members will want to know that the Executive Council is carefully monitoring every stage of our campaign, listening to the issues raised by members and assessing our tactics in the light of developments. All Brigade and Regional Committees are now making the same assessment so that planning can be developed for future action as required. All members are encouraged to engage with your Brigade Committees so as to ensure that the views and assessments of all members are taken into account.
There are a range of issues to be considered and addressed, including:
- The decision of the employer in Surrey to dock pay for the full shift and effectively lock-out Firefighters from the workplace: This was the only employer who behaved in this way. It was an act of provocation and an attempt to intimidate our members. The Union is now considering how to respond to this provocation. We are sure that all members will stand united in defending our members in Surrey.
- The arguments presented by CLG and by Fire Service Employers or Chief Fire Officers on the day: There were clearly a number of misleading claims made by those arguing against us and these will need to be addressed as we proceed. Fire Service Employers and Chief Officers have consistently claimed this dispute does not involve them. Many have even expressed sympathy with our case over the past two years. It was therefore disappointing (but perhaps not surprising) that on the day many chose to repeat the false claims made by the Government about the issues under dispute. It was even more alarming that some attempted to exacerbate and escalate the issues by the provocative stance they took.
- Activities on the day, including picketing arrangements, campaign activity and political lobbying: There are many good examples of work carried out by members locally and this will be assessed so as to assist in future action. Concerns or suggestions about this, including about FBU resources and initiatives, should be passed through your Brigade Committee.
- Future strike tactics: the Executive Council was clear that it wished to consult with local Committees about future strike action and all the various options which relate to it before calling further action. There are a range of views on this and, again, you are asked to feed views and assessments through to your Brigade Committee. The Executive Council will meet very soon to discuss and determine our next steps.
National Demonstration and Rally
We have been clear throughout this campaign that a key element of our work must be focused around political campaigning. I am aware of a number of outstanding initiatives on this which were taken during our strike action. All Branches and Brigade Committees are asked to consider this aspect. Have we invited MPs or Councillors to attend our picket line? Can we send a delegation to an MPs office or to meet local Councillors? How can we build our campaign alongside other Unions in the area?
The Executive Council has called a demonstration and rally on October 16 and every member is asked to consider how to attend. The themes for the day are wider than simply pensions; we need to make clear that having an effective and efficient Fire and Rescue Service means stopping the terrible cuts we are facing. An effective and efficient Fire and Rescue Service also means having Firefighters fit enough to do the job – and that means a pension scheme which works for our Service and our occupation. Please help us to build the demonstration and to send a message to Government and Employers that we are preparing, if necessary, for a long fight on all fronts.
Scotland: Members’ Consultation
As previously reported, we have received revised proposals from the Scottish Government. A series of discussions have clarified these and made improvements in certain areas. The Executive Council has always been clear that members will need to determine our key steps at each stage. The Executive Council has therefore determined that members in Scotland will be consulted on these proposals but that all members should also discuss them. Therefore the proposal document is enclosed with/attached to this circular – as is the Executive Council Statement on the subject. The proposals are now subject to a consultative ballot of Scottish members.
As we have outlined before, the pension campaign is extremely complicated in terms of the effects of proposals on different groups of members and the fact that Fire Service pension matters are a devolved issue. Members are asked to appraise themselves of these proposals so as to inform discussion at the Executive Council.
Our campaign on pensions has entered a new and difficult phase as we begin to take industrial action. We will all need to remain well-informed, determined and united in order to make progress. I am sure that FBU members will do so.
Best wishes.
Yours fraternally
MATT WRACK
GENERAL SECRETARY
EC Statement - Scottish Proposals.pdf
Scottish Government proposal 27 Sep 13.pdf
