Forum Brief: Fire dispute

The executive of the Fire Brigades Union has said it will accept the latest pay offer from fire service employers.

The final deal is expected to offer a 16 per cent rise over two-and-a-half years, linked to an overhaul of working practices.

Forum Response: Fire Brigades Union

Andy Gilchrist, general secretary of the FBU, said: "Following meetings with representatives of the national employers a proposed agreement has been reached which is now being recommended for ratification by both sides of the National Joint Council.

"The Unions' executive council considered the proposed agreement at its meeting in London on 20 May 2003 and agreed to recommend the proposed agreement to the membership and a recalled annual conference to be held in three weeks time.

"It is the executive council's 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.

"Branch meetings will be held in all brigades prior to the recall conference in order that the membership can consider the recommendation of the executive council."

Forum Response: Local Government Association

Jeremy Beecham, chair of the LGA, said: "This proposed agreement offers a fair deal for both parties and above all, the public.

"It provides every qualified fire fighter with an annual salary of £25,000 by July 2004, it guarantees no compulsory redundancies and will deliver an even better service - a priority for all of us.

"We will now be talking to government to achieve consensus on how savings can be shared across authorities to help pay for wage increases.

"It must be recognised that there will be considerable discrepancies between rural and large metropolitan brigades' ability to create savings and this must be taken into account."