Submitted by SWFBU on
18 July 2013
TO: ALL MEMBERS
Dear Brother/Sister
CLG OPEN LETTER IS AN INSULT TO FIREFIGHTERS
The CLG Fire Minister, Brandon Lewis, has written an open letter to Firefighters in response to the FBU’s move to ballot for strike action over pensions.
His letter indicates that Firefighters will want to take a great deal of thought before voting on such action.
He goes on to state: ‘you can be assured that even after the reforms you will have one of the best pension schemes available – better than most of your neighbours, and better than many in the public sector’.
He points out some of the benefits but fails to point out the obvious downsides:
• Firefighters have already seen a significant increase in their contributions with more on the horizon. Firefighters in 2011 already paid 11% of their salary in pension contributions and by 2014 this will be at least 14.2%.
• Firefighters who cannot maintain operational fitness until age 60 could face the sack on capability grounds – Government’s own figures for current 55-60 year olds indicate that 66% of current employees are below the recommended fitness levels.
• Brandon Lewis says that many will see no change to benefits but in reality everyone is paying much more for them.
The Fire Minister is saying that Firefighters need all the facts before they make a decision. That is exactly the point that the FBU have been making to him but in reality:
• He has not even confirmed what the contribution rates for the new scheme will be.
• He has not confirmed what will happen to those who cannot maintain operational fitness.
These are not minor details, they are vitally important issues.
Despite this failure to answer the most basic of questions, the Government has issued an ultimatum that Firefighters must accept the proposals in full without any modification - or face a worse scheme being imposed.
This is an expectation that Firefighters should sign a blank cheque while threats of imposition are made. That is not a constructive way to conduct business.
For over two years the FBU has been trying to negotiate a workable pension scheme which takes account of the occupational requirements of the job. The CLG Fire Minister now thinks he can convince Firefighters that it is a good deal for Firefighters using a teleconference forum, a Facebook page and a series of tweets.
The FBU urges him to get back round the table for real talks to resolve the issues between us.
Best wishes.
Yours fraternally
MATT WRACK
GENERAL SECRETARY
