UK firefighters to strike

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entropychaser

Joined
Jun 27, 2017
Messages
1,179
The London Fire Brigade began on March 21st, 1889. The men were supposed to be issued new boots for Christmas-nothing. The men said the town could burn down. It turned out the now frantic London County Council did order 1800 pairs, but the contractor had gone bankrupt. A replacement was secured, but only 130 pairs were ready. The strike threat was withdrawn.

In 1951 a dispute arose about pay parity with the police. In November there was a two day work action. All duties except fires and emergencies stopped. 1400 members were charged under the Discipline Code for refusing a lawful order. In December a wall collapse at a fire near the Liverpool Street Railway Station killed three members. Subsequently, the Chief Officer dropped all charges and arbitration ensued.

In 1977, promised pay raises didn't happen. On November 14th, 1977 43,000 members of Britain's Fire Brigade Union went out on strike for higher pay and shorter hours. The LFB enlisted the army Household Division (and the Household Cavalry) to provide fire protection in London using military "Green Goddess" fire engines. The strike lasted two months. In the interim, the Brigade had their annual members' families Christmas party at a local hotel (no strike talk allowed).

Afterwards, to improve discipline, all fire station bars and clubs were closed (some well hidden) lock, stock, and "barrel". The men were told that increased drills would allow no time for drinking on duty.
 
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Dexter01

Joined
May 5, 2010
Messages
33
CFDMarshal said:
Yes and the army has to fill the gap. I think they call the military fire engines "Green Goddess". I don't believe they (Strikes) last very long.
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As entropy states, the 1977 strike lasted 9 weeks and the army were used as an interim service.

The last national strike was 2002/3. This was also over pay. This strike was done in periods, so crews would strike for 48 hours at a time, sometimes less. Again, the army was used, with Green Goddesses that were near enough 50 years old. After that strike, conditions were changed for the services, with a new role map being brought in, rank went to roles (a leading Firefighter became a crew manager, etc). Legislation was also changed that put the onus on services to provide fire cover in the event of further strikes and the military could not be used.

Since that strike, there have been local strikes across different services for different reasons. The biggest issue recently was pension changes that the union took to court and won. This is still being rectified at the moment.

The current vote to strike was again due to pay. Over the last 10 years, the highest pay rise has been 2%, with some years being nothing. This resulted in firefighter pay being well below what it should be, having been kept well below inflation rates, etc. Again, crews were offered 2% in July 2022, with this being said to be a final offer. This was rejected and the union started to go down the ballot route. This prompted a new offer of 5% and being told this was a final offer (again). This was rejected as well and the ballot happened, with an overwhelming majority voting for strikes.

On the final day before strike dates were announced, a new offer was received of 7% backdated to 1st July 2022 and a further 5% from 1st July 2023, which was accepted. This was achieved without stepping out the doors once. I'm led to believe services had no contingency in place for the strikes, which put pressure on the government to sort it out. We are not the only service going through this, with quite a few government services currently taking industrial action.
 
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CFDMarshal

Joined
Feb 27, 2010
Messages
1,246
Dexter01 said:
As entropy states, the 1977 strike lasted 9 weeks and the army were used as an interim service.

The last national strike was 2002/3. This was also over pay. This strike was done in periods, so crews would strike for 48 hours at a time, sometimes less. Again, the army was used, with Green Goddesses that were near enough 50 years old. After that strike, conditions were changed for the services, with a new role map being brought in, rank went to roles (a leading Firefighter became a crew manager, etc). Legislation was also changed that put the onus on services to provide fire cover in the event of further strikes and the military could not be used.

Since that strike, there have been local strikes across different services for different reasons. The biggest issue recently was pension changes that the union took to court and won. This is still being rectified at the moment.

The current vote to strike was again due to pay. Over the last 10 years, the highest pay rise has been 2%, with some years being nothing. This resulted in firefighter pay being well below what it should be, having been kept well below inflation rates, etc. Again, crews were offered 2% in July 2022, with this being said to be a final offer. This was rejected and the union started to go down the ballot route. This prompted a new offer of 5% and being told this was a final offer (again). This was rejected as well and the ballot happened, with an overwhelming majority voting for strikes.

On the final day before strike dates were announced, a new offer was received of 7% backdated to 1st July 2022 and a further 5% from 1st July 2023, which was accepted. This was achieved without stepping out the doors once. I'm led to believe services had no contingency in place for the strikes, which put pressure on the government to sort it out. We are not the only service going through this, with quite a few government services currently taking industrial action.
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I stand corrected! I actually forgot about the 77 strike.
 
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Captain784

Joined
Jul 20, 2022
Messages
414
Firefighter and Police are the backbone of cities and towns, the Volunteer Firefighters need to be given due respect and the community should thank active Volunteers for their service. Paid firefighters and police officers deserve a decent wages and benefits. I have had the honor of meeting brother and sister firefighters in England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. As a firefighter for over 50 years, I have seen what our brothers and sisters are dealing with in Europe's old cities, towns & villages. If we love our old buildings and structures, we need to ensure, that we adequately pay those who protect them and the people in them, for the often dangerous and demanding work they are pledged to do.
"Soldiers in a war that never ends." Captain Bob Rainey FDNY Engine 26 retired
 
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