Forum Brief: Fire strikes

Fire fighters have held unofficial industrial action against changes to an agreed pay deal.

Staff announced they will only answer 999 calls as they began a "work to rule" protest.

A spokesman for the ODPM told ePolitix.com: "Although it is a matter for the employers and the union, we would obviously urge both parties to produce some constructive negotiations, rather than the wildcat strikes."

David Davis, the shadow deputy prime minister, said: "We urge all fire fighters to cease unofficial action. Strikes that put the lives of the public at risk have no place in the 21st century and will only serve to jeopardise the goodwill that the public have shown towards the Fire Brigade.

"For it's part, yet again the government have shown outstanding incompetence in allowing this situation to come about."

Edward Davey, ODPM spokesman, said: "There is no place for wildcat action in our fire service.

"Fire crews will not be reckless enough to endanger lives, but the public will not look kindly on this action when it is not even sanctioned by the Union.

"The FBU must get a grip on its members and snuff out wildcat fire strikes."

Forum Response: Fire Brigades Union

A spokesman for the Fire Brigades Union told ePolitix.com: "The FBU membership has been consulted on a Joint Position Statement on Pay arising out of the June agreement that would have implemented a 7 per cent pay increase alongside a revolutionary step change in the Fire Service.

"As late as Friday 31st October the National Employers informed the Union that they were not prepared to pay the 7 per cent in full on 7th November.

"The Executive Council condemns the decision of the Employers and as a consequence of this decision are unable at this time to accept or reject the Joint Position Statement.

"The EC will be seeking meetings with the Employers and will meet again on the 6th November at 13.00 hours."

Forum Response: Local Government Association

A spokeswoman for the LGA told ePolitix.com: "The conditions on which stage payments were to be made have always been clear to the FBU executive throughout this process - they have co-signed the agreements on which they are based.

"If these conditions come as a surprise to anyone, this can only be due to the union's failure to effectively communicate to its members what it has agreed on their behalf."