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In what would be the first national strike in over 20 years, members of the Fire Brigades Union have voted for strike action on pay with 88 per cent voting yes on a 73 per cent turn out. This comes after firefighters rejected a 5 per cent pay offer in November 2022.
The Fire Brigades Union has given the Government 10 days to put forward an improved pay offer which could be put to a vote of its members.
Announcing the result, FBU General Secretary, Matt Wrack said, “This is an overwhelming vote for strike action against an offer which would mean further significant cuts to real terms wages for firefighters and control room staff. They have already lost at least 12 per cent of the value of their pay since 2010.
“The Government and the employers have the power to stop strikes from happening by making a credible offer that can resolve this dispute. The ball is in their court.
“We have delayed calling strikes to allow the employers to meet us and to make a new offer. I hope they take that opportunity. Otherwise, in the coming weeks, we intend to announce a series of strike dates and industrial action.”
Photo credit: FBU Flickr/Mark Thomas