Yesterday it was confirmed that FBU members had voted to undertake strike action, after rejecting the national employers offer of 5%. Approximately 64% of all FBU members voted for strike action.

No firefighter wants to strike. Strike action increases risk to the public and can create division between those who choose to strike and those who choose not to. History suggests that such division between colleagues can run deep and last decades. This comes at a time when His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) is to produce a ‘spotlight‘ report  on values and culture in all 44 services in England due to concerns raised within the second round of inspections in 2021 and 2022.

We are aware that there is at least one further meeting with the employers to discuss pay before any strike action is called. We therefore hope that the employers can make an acceptable offer over the coming days and avoid damaging strike action. We consider that firefighters should receive a fair day’s pay, for a fair day’s work, and clearly a 5% pay rise does not reflect this.

We have long argued that the current pay structure is outdated, with too much reliance on generic public sector pay increases. There needed, and still requires there to be a business case put forward for a significant pay increase and pay restructure based on the broadening of the role. Very similar to that offered to firefighters in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service which was rejected by the FBU back in 2019. An offer that would have equated to a level of increase not dissimilar to that now being argued for by the FBU.  

With all the uncertainty expected in the coming weeks and months, it is especially important that our members are reassured that the FRSA will provide the necessary support, advice and protection to ensure that they are free to undertake their duty to serve the public without fear or favour.

FRSA HQ, and our network of local and national officials will remain available to support our members 24 hours a day during this difficult time.

To assist members, we have provided specific guidance on what to expect during periods of strike action.