Menu
23/05/2003
Vote date set to end fire dispute
A special conference to be held in Scotland next month will decide the outcome of the long-running firefighters dispute, if the deal attracts grass roots support.
Hundreds of Fire Brigades Union (FBU) delegates are being summoned to the conference set for June 12, following Tuesday’s decision by the union executive to recommend the final settlement hammered out with employers representatives.
The union has written to members to apprise them of the FBU executive council’s decision to recommend the agreement to the firefighters. A further detailed circular will be sent for to firefighters outlining the full reasons for the executive’s decision.
The FBU executive’s letter sent to members stated: “It is the executive councils view that this negotiated agreement differs significantly from previous offers made by the Employers.
”A further circular will be sent from Head Office as soon as possible explaining in full the reasons for the Executive Council reaching the decision to recommend to the membership this agreement.”
Prior to the recalled union conference, branch meetings will be held by all Brigades so that the union members can consider the recommendation of the Executive Council.
The deal arrived at will give qualified firefighters a 16% pay rise by July 1, 2004. This will take their basic salary to £25,000-a-year. On acceptance of the offer firefighters will get a 4% pay hike backdated to November 2002, and two more phased pay rises amounting to 12% by mid-2004.
Recommending the deal on Tuesday, the FBU General Secretary, Andy Gilchrist, said only that the deal “differed considerably from previous offers”.
The latest deal assures firefighters that overtime will not be used to shore up staff shortages – this had been a bone of contention throughout the negotiations as union had feared that jobs cuts could be used to finance the “modernisation” pay deal tabled by the employers side.
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott welcomed the latest developments as “positive progress towards a negotiated settlement”.
(SP)
Hundreds of Fire Brigades Union (FBU) delegates are being summoned to the conference set for June 12, following Tuesday’s decision by the union executive to recommend the final settlement hammered out with employers representatives.
The union has written to members to apprise them of the FBU executive council’s decision to recommend the agreement to the firefighters. A further detailed circular will be sent for to firefighters outlining the full reasons for the executive’s decision.
The FBU executive’s letter sent to members stated: “It is the executive councils view that this negotiated agreement differs significantly from previous offers made by the Employers.
”A further circular will be sent from Head Office as soon as possible explaining in full the reasons for the Executive Council reaching the decision to recommend to the membership this agreement.”
Prior to the recalled union conference, branch meetings will be held by all Brigades so that the union members can consider the recommendation of the Executive Council.
The deal arrived at will give qualified firefighters a 16% pay rise by July 1, 2004. This will take their basic salary to £25,000-a-year. On acceptance of the offer firefighters will get a 4% pay hike backdated to November 2002, and two more phased pay rises amounting to 12% by mid-2004.
Recommending the deal on Tuesday, the FBU General Secretary, Andy Gilchrist, said only that the deal “differed considerably from previous offers”.
The latest deal assures firefighters that overtime will not be used to shore up staff shortages – this had been a bone of contention throughout the negotiations as union had feared that jobs cuts could be used to finance the “modernisation” pay deal tabled by the employers side.
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott welcomed the latest developments as “positive progress towards a negotiated settlement”.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 April 2003
Union leaders reject pay deal for firefighters
Union leaders have overwhelmingly voted to reject the latest package on pay and conditions made by employers to the UK firefighters. However, Fire Brigades Union (FBU) leader Andy Gilchrist is expected to tell firefighters later today that taking industrial action before the complete cessation of the Iraqi conflict would be counterproductive.
Union leaders reject pay deal for firefighters
Union leaders have overwhelmingly voted to reject the latest package on pay and conditions made by employers to the UK firefighters. However, Fire Brigades Union (FBU) leader Andy Gilchrist is expected to tell firefighters later today that taking industrial action before the complete cessation of the Iraqi conflict would be counterproductive.
21 August 2007
Human Remains Found At Hotel Fire Site
Police and fire investigation teams searching the debris of a Cornish hotel destroyed by fire have found human remains. The blaze tore through the Penhallow Hotel in Newquay just after midnight on Saturday. A 43-year-old man died in the blaze.
Human Remains Found At Hotel Fire Site
Police and fire investigation teams searching the debris of a Cornish hotel destroyed by fire have found human remains. The blaze tore through the Penhallow Hotel in Newquay just after midnight on Saturday. A 43-year-old man died in the blaze.
18 April 2005
Firefighters union calls for end to attacks
Attacks on fire crews across the country are getting worse, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has reported. There are 40 attacks on fire crews every week, the FBU claimed, and the union said that in some areas fire crews were facing daily attacks with bricks, bottles and missiles.
Firefighters union calls for end to attacks
Attacks on fire crews across the country are getting worse, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has reported. There are 40 attacks on fire crews every week, the FBU claimed, and the union said that in some areas fire crews were facing daily attacks with bricks, bottles and missiles.
05 November 2004
Union calls for halt to bonfire night attacks on firefighters
Firefighters must be able to go about their work unmolested by young thugs who attack crews with fireworks over the bonfire period, the service's union has said. Traditionally, the November 5 Guy Fawkes night sees a big rise in attacks on firefighters, with youngsters luring fire crews with emergency callouts before attacking them.
Union calls for halt to bonfire night attacks on firefighters
Firefighters must be able to go about their work unmolested by young thugs who attack crews with fireworks over the bonfire period, the service's union has said. Traditionally, the November 5 Guy Fawkes night sees a big rise in attacks on firefighters, with youngsters luring fire crews with emergency callouts before attacking them.
05 October 2015
Teaching Union Backs Two Year Pay Deal
Members of Scottish teaching union EIS have given their support to a two-year pay offer. The union said 83% of its members voted overwhelmingly in favour to accept the deal. The offer includes a 2.5% increase in pay over two years, with 1.5% for 2015/16 and a further 1% for 2016/17.
Teaching Union Backs Two Year Pay Deal
Members of Scottish teaching union EIS have given their support to a two-year pay offer. The union said 83% of its members voted overwhelmingly in favour to accept the deal. The offer includes a 2.5% increase in pay over two years, with 1.5% for 2015/16 and a further 1% for 2016/17.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
