Firefighters vote to accept pay offer

Firefighters and control room staff across the UK have accepted a new pay deal to end their dispute over pay. 96 per cent of Fire Brigades Union members voted to accept the pay offer on an 84 per cent turnout. The pay settlement is for 7 per cent backdated to July 2022, plus an additional 5 per cent from July 2023.

Fire Brigades Union General Secretary Matt Wrack said, “The overwhelming vote by FBU members to accept the improved offer means that the dispute is resolved on terms that are favourable to firefighters. We pay tribute to members of our union for their determination and unity throughout the past year. Firefighters will now receive two pay increases, including nine months of back pay. 

“This result is testament to the power collective action. Without the huge mandate for strike action by firefighters last month, this deal would never have been achieved.

“The crucial mechanism for achieving this outcome was direct negotiations with Fire and Rescue Service employers. With collective bargaining, we were able to make our case and avoid industrial action. This would not have been possible with so-called “independent” Pay Review Body. Under a pay review body strike action would have been inevitable and the government needs to wake up to that fact.”