Submitted by SWFBU on
TO: ALL MEMBERS ENGLAND, SCOTLAND AND WALES
Dear Brother/Sister
SECOND BALLOT: ACTION SHORT OF STRIKE
Our pension campaign has reached a critical stage. We remain keen to resolve our dispute through negotiation and continue to explore all avenues in an attempt to get a resolution. We shall continue to do so and to seek every opportunity to resolve the matters under dispute.
Unfortunately the pension proposals for firefighters currently remain unacceptable we have had to take strike action in England and Wales in an attempt to reach an improved position.
- Members across the UK have seen pension increases for two years and government have signalled an intention for another increase in April 2014. The proposals for the majority of firefighters are for a further increase in the FPS of 1.3% (to 14.2% of salary) and 0.8% in the NFPS to (10.4% of salary).
- We are also now being told that an NFPS member who is transferred into the 2015 scheme could see another increase of around 2.2% in 2015.We cannot allow firefighters to be priced out of pension schemes; this would merely make the schemes less and less sustainable.
- Many members still face the prospect of the pension arrangements they signed up to on joining the service being terminated without agreement. So far, central government has not considered or offered improvements to the protection arrangements
- Another key issue is the No Job No Pension threat which is being addressed in Scotland but remains a major concern elsewhere. The Fire Service Employers have confirmed very clearly and in writing that this is a real threat to firefighters. The Union has provided a draft regulation which could offer a way forward but this has not been taken up so far.
Firefighters in England and Wales have taken strike action but the Executive Council are aware that members are wanting to campaign in other ways on non-strike days to maximise the pressure on government. The Executive Council has discussed this option in detail and has decided that members should be balloted for action short of strike in addition to the ongoing strike action. This will allow other forms of action to be taken. You will shortly receive a ballot paper.
The Executive Council has agreed that all members in England, Scotland and Wales will be included in this ballot and that it should also include Control members. One of the fundamental considerations of any action called is to strike the most advantageous balance between maximising its impact on the organisation whilst minimising its hardship on members. All members will recognise the benefits in this regard of discontinuous strike action used in combination with the wide-range of types of action short of strike that may be called.
The key reasons for the additional ballot are:
- To add to the industrial levers the Union may use to seek progress on the issues in dispute.
- To provide protection for members (including Control members) who are under pressure to engage in additional work to support resilience/contingency arrangements.
- To allow members to collectively refuse to undertake specific additional duties.
- To allow members to collectively refuse participation in other activities, including voluntary activities.
The FBU is aware that the Fire and Rescue Service is hugely dependant on the goodwill of FBU members and that many members feel reluctant to provide such goodwill at a time when our pensions are under such a savage attack.
Please be clear this action will supplement but not replace the strike ballot in England and Wales. It will provide additional tools we can use in the campaign to defend our pensions.
Forms of action
“Action short of strike” can involve any collective industrial action which is not strike action. This may include action such as: removal of goodwill; refusal to undertake additional duties or cover for a higher rank/role; refusal to undertake voluntary, non-contractual duties outside of normal hours (which can include bans on non-contractual overtime); etc.
- There is a wide-range of action which can be taken. The Executive Council is clear that different action might be called in different Fire Services or national action tailored in particular Brigades to take account of different circumstances. The views of local members via local Brigade Committees will be taken into consideration.
- We are aware of the harsh policies which may exist locally regarding ‘partial performance’ or docking of pay. The aim of this action will be to maximise pressure on government not to create any uneven hardship on FBU members. Full account will therefore be taken of local circumstances.
We urge you to vote YES in that ballot.
Make the government listen
The FBU has taken a professional and measured approach towards the government proposals. The Union has submitted evidence and provided government with numerous opportunities to change course.
Unfortunately, central government is not listening. It is ignoring the evidence and carrying on regardless. We cannot let this happen - doing nothing is not an option.
We remain ready for real talks. But we have to act to protect our pensions. That is why the Executive Council has decided to ballot members for action short of strike to strengthen and supplement our existing strike ballot.
The ballot closes on 4 December 2013.
Please make sure you vote.
Please VOTE YES.
Best wishes.
Yours fraternally
MATT WRACK
