Submitted by SWFBU on
TO: ALL MEMBERS
Dear Brother/Sister
APRIL 2014: FURTHER INDUSTRIAL ACTION
DEVELOPMENTS SINCE LAST MEETING OF FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (9 AND 10 APRIL 2014)
Following the Executive Council meeting on 9 and 10 April we wrote to DCLG Fire Minister, Brandon Lewis, explaining that although we had taken part in numerous discussions we had still not been provided with any improved proposals for the 2015 scheme or addressing any of our other concerns on pensions.
We informed him that if we did not receive any new proposals by 24 April, we would conclude that they were unwilling or unable to offer any improvement, and that this would be factored into any decision taken by the Executive Council.
By the time the Executive Council met on 24 April, we still had not received any improved position. Instead, we received a letter thanking us for the committed way we had approached the discussions but that at this moment in time they were still considering and discussing whether or not they could table an improved position. This letter, along with our reply will be made available on the FBU website.
What we have been trying to achieve
We have refrained from taking any strike action since 3 January to enable these discussions to proceed without any distraction. Nevertheless, we have always made it clear that there was a strong possibility that further strike action may be necessary if we were not presented with improved proposals for members to consider.
Had any such revised proposals been received, they would have been assessed by the executive council and (assuming they made a real change to the situation facing FBU members would have been considered by members. Any decisions on settling our dispute or refraining from taking further strike action will be taken by FBU members through our democratic structures.
Over recent weeks we have also met with ACAS where we have outlined and reiterated our concerns and frustration with the lack of any real progress around our key concerns.
We are aware that various aspects of the current pension proposals have been reviewed and that government officials have been considering alternatives. It is therefore extremely frustrating that Ministers have been unable to actually make any formal proposals. It has been extremely frustrating for all FBU members that despite our best attempts we have been unable to get the improvements.
Government attacks continue
Indeed, the government has continued to attack our pensions throughout this period:
• On April 1, members of the firefighters’ pension schemes saw employee contributions increased for the third year. This was imposed despite our objections and despite evidence presented.
• It is clear that firefighters still face the threat of dismissal for failing fitness tests as they age. This is despite earlier written assurances from Brandon Lewis that this was not on the cards, and that people would be simply re-tested until they pass. In fact, the national fire service employers have confirmed recently that they do want to keep the discretion to sack people who cannot maintain operational fitness. Mr. Lewis has not taken any steps to address this issue.
• Mr. Lewis recently responded to a question in parliament and suggested that the FBU had not sought additional protection – especially for current members of the FPS. The reality of the situation was that he had simply refused to move on his current (very limited) protection proposals. We have written to him and challenged the accuracy of this statement and provided several extracts from his letters which show that this has been and remains a key concern of ours.
It is very disappointing however that despite all our discussions, central government is unable or unwilling to improve the current unworkable proposals. We have stressed the seriousness and urgency of the situation, but unfortunately, the latest letter from them only confirms the lack of any real urgency to resolve this issue.
While the Executive Council remains totally committed to resolving this long running dispute through negotiation, we cannot simply stand by while government imposes a pension scheme that is totally unworkable, unaffordable, unsustainable and unfair.
After considering all the factors, the Executive Council decided that it was time to initiate further industrial action and has called the following:
In England and Wales (excluding control members)
Strike action
• 5 hours Friday 2 May 12pm – 5pm
• 12 hours Saturday 3 May 2pm – 2am
• 5 hours Sunday 4 May 10am – 3pm
Action short of strike (excluding control members)
Voluntary overtime ban from 3.00pm Sunday 4 May until 12pm Friday 9 May
In Scotland
Action short of strike (excluding control members)
Voluntary overtime ban from 12pm Friday 2 May until 12pm Friday 9 May
It is extremely disappointing that we have had to return to industrial action but members will recognise that we have made all attempts to resolve this dispute.
Over the next week I am sure that you will be busy preparing yourself for this action, whether this is organising meetings, events, lobbies or just discussing with colleagues.
We are once again faced with industrial action including strikes in England and Wales. We will continue to try to get the improvements we need and I am confident that you will all rally in support of this action whatever your individual situation is.
The Executive Council will be holding regular meetings to continually monitor the situation, and members will receive further updates as the situation develops.
FBU members have delivered an outstanding professional and evidence based campaign. You have won the argument. You have demonstrated professionalism as well as marvellous unity and determination. We face a government which wishes to force through attacks on public sector pension rights regardless of the consequences. I know that all FBU members will once again stand together in unity during this industrial action to demonstrate that our case has been shown to be correct and that our cause is just.
We stand together in unity.
Yours fraternally,
MATT WRACK
GENERAL SECRETARY
