All Members Circular South West - United Strike Demonstrates Firefighters' Anger and Determination

TO: ALL MEMBERS - South West

Dear Brother / Sister

UNITED STRIKE DEMONSTRATES FIREFIGHTERS ANGER & DETERMINATION

I am writing to you following our recent 4 hour strike, taken in protest at Government plans to tear up our pensions and forcethrough a set of proposals which are unsustainable, unfair and unsafe.

The strike action was solidly supported by Firefighters across the country and I want to personally congratulate all Members, who stood shoulder to shoulder in a powerful, united demonstration of anger and determination. We hope that the Government returns to serious talks and now realises that Firefighters will not be walked over.

As all of us who took part will know, the response from the public was fantastic and this same level of support has been reported across the country. Clearly the majority of the public understand the issues involved and they are offering practical support to our campaign by contacting MP’s etc. The Union has drafted a model letter, available on the FBU website, which can be used by everyone to contact MP’s and an online petition has also now been launched to stop the attacks on Firefighter pensions. Please ask your friends, neighbours and family to support us in these ways.

I would also like to stress the importance of attending the FBU march and rally on Wednesday 16 October in London. Transport is available and it is vital that as many of us as possible attend to make our voices heard.

Finally, please find enclosed a Branch Guide for campaigning in the event of further strike action. Clearly we all hope that further strike action isn’t necessary but we must be prepared. This guide sets out positive ideas and advice to make sure that our campaigning work is as effective as possible at a local level and I would encourage every branch to discuss it in detail.

Best wishes.

Yours fraternally,

BRIGADE SECRETARY