Revised pay offer halts firefighters’ strike

Firefighters’ strikes in the United Kingdom have been postponed after their employers made a revised pay offer during negotiations with the Fire Brigades Union (FBU).

The FBU announced that it has been offered a 7% pay rise, backdated to July 2022, and a further 5% from July 2023.

The union had previously warned of strikes if the previous 5% pay offer was not increased, following a significant vote in favor of industrial action.

In response to the offer, FBU General Secretary Matt Wrack said, “This offer is testament to the power of collective action through the Fire Brigades Union.”

“The employers have now revised their position.”

“We have achieved this increase because of the massive vote in favour of strike action by firefighters and control staff across the country, which made clear the strength of feeling among firefighters about cuts to their wages.”

However, the FBU has stated that the revised offer still amounts to a real-terms pay cut given the rate of inflation.

The union’s executive has decided to put the new offer to a ballot of its members and has postponed the announcement of strike dates pending the outcome.

Wrack added, “While the offer is improved from last year, it still amounts to a real-terms pay cut.”

“Frontline firefighters and control room staff will make the decision on whether this pay offer is considered a real improvement. Our internal discussions will be honest and sober.”

Since 2010, the average firefighter in the United Kingdom has reportedly lost at least 12% of their pay.

The FBU’s ballot will determine whether the revised pay offer will be accepted, and plans for industrial action will be postponed until the outcome is known.