Imposed FBU pay deal moves one step closer

Plans to give the government powers to break the deadlock in the fire service strike by setting pay and conditions have moved a step closer.

Last night, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott successfully introduced the second reading of the Fire Service Bill in the House of Commons – taking the legislation one stage closer to becoming law. And if firefighters were expecting a significant rearguard from left-wing MPs, they were disappointed as only 27 Labour MPs defied the government in the vote.

The bill allows the government to set the pay and conditions of fire brigade members in England and Wales if the firefighters strike dispute goes unresolved. It would also allow the government to tell fire authorities how they should use their property and equipment.

"This dispute dates back to May last year," said Mr Prescott. "Since then the FBU has rejected three successive pay offers - first 4%, then 11% and most recently the employers' final 16% offer."

He also placed further pressure on the FBU not to strike after announcing the release of 5,000 troops from temporary firefighting duty. The government will further reduce the number of soliders manning green goddesses to 9,000 - from a pre-war height of 19,000.

These reductions would mean significantly reduced cover in the event of a strike, and the number of green goddesses available would fall from 829 to 250.

With the UK still committed in Iraq, it would be difficult for the FBU to justify draining Britain's ability to commit its armed forces to peace-keeping duties through strike action.

There may yet be time for the government and union leaders to find a resolution as the bill will not become law for several weeks.

Nonetheless, a bellicose Mr Prescott warned the FBU that if he imposes a settlement it couldbe less than the 16% that is already on the table.

Andy Gilchrist, FBU General Secretary, criticised the bill as a "deeply disturbing move".

He said: “You can impose an offer you can’t impose agreement. It is a sad day for democracy and a bad day for the fire service.

“This bill offends several international treaties and ILO Conventions to which Britain is a signatory.

“It is illiberal, undemocratic, and signifies an appalling attitude to international law. We urge MP's and the Lord’s to continue to fight it line by line. They need to show they have some regard for democratic norms and international law."

(GMcG)