Firefighters will NOT strike as they postpone action following increased pay offer | The Sun
STRIKES by firefighters have been postponed after an increased pay offer from employers, it was confirmed today.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said it had been offered a seven per cent pay rise backdated to July 2022, followed by a five per cent bump from July this year.
Members had voted to walk out after arguing their pay had been slashed by at least 12 per cent in real terms since 2010.
They warned of industrial action if a previous five per cent pay offer was not increased.
The union's executive decided to put the new offer to a ballot of its members, and has postponed the announcement of strike dates pending the outcome.
The FBU said it will have an "honest and sober" discussion of the proposal, adding it still amounts to a pay cut given the rate of inflation.
READ MORE ON STRIKES
More than 100,000 civil servants to strike on Budget Day
Hospitals to axe 65k appointments this week as NHS reels from biggest strike
Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: "This offer is testament to the power of collective action through the FBU.
"Last year we were offered an insulting two per cent.
"The employers have now revised their position.
"We have achieved this increase because of the massive vote in favour of strike action by firefighters and control staff across the country, which made clear the strength of feeling among firefighters about cuts to their wages."
Most read in The Sun
Love Island shock as popular girl is booted – and she's already left the villa
Cops fear Nicola Bulley 'could have left river on path NOT covered by CCTV'
Nicola Bulley sleuths are convinced mystery drink bottle could hold answers
Dive expert who feared Nicola had been abducted dramatically pulls out of search
He added: "Since 2010, the average firefighter has lost at least 12 per cent of the value of their pay.
"We will now ballot our members.
"Frontline firefighters and control room staff will make the decision on whether this pay offer is considered a real improvement.
"Our internal discussions will be honest and sober.
"While the offer is improved from last year, it still amounts to a real-terms pay cut.
"Meanwhile, plans to announce a series of strike dates and industrial action will be postponed, pending the outcome of the ballot."
Firefighters were expected to strike for the first time since 2003 in the coming weeks.
Of the 73 per cent of union members who voted, 88 per cent were in favour of taking action.
It would have been one of many walkouts across the UK this month, as nurses, ambulance drivers, university staff and civil servants strike over pay and conditions.
Source: Read Full Article