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23/05/2003
Vote date set to end fire dispute
A special conference to be held in Scotland next month will decide the outcome of the long-running firefighters dispute, if the deal attracts grass roots support.
Hundreds of Fire Brigades Union (FBU) delegates are being summoned to the conference set for June 12, following Tuesday’s decision by the union executive to recommend the final settlement hammered out with employers representatives.
The union has written to members to apprise them of the FBU executive council’s decision to recommend the agreement to the firefighters. A further detailed circular will be sent for to firefighters outlining the full reasons for the executive’s decision.
The FBU executive’s letter sent to members stated: “It is the executive councils view that this negotiated agreement differs significantly from previous offers made by the Employers.
”A further circular will be sent from Head Office as soon as possible explaining in full the reasons for the Executive Council reaching the decision to recommend to the membership this agreement.”
Prior to the recalled union conference, branch meetings will be held by all Brigades so that the union members can consider the recommendation of the Executive Council.
The deal arrived at will give qualified firefighters a 16% pay rise by July 1, 2004. This will take their basic salary to £25,000-a-year. On acceptance of the offer firefighters will get a 4% pay hike backdated to November 2002, and two more phased pay rises amounting to 12% by mid-2004.
Recommending the deal on Tuesday, the FBU General Secretary, Andy Gilchrist, said only that the deal “differed considerably from previous offers”.
The latest deal assures firefighters that overtime will not be used to shore up staff shortages – this had been a bone of contention throughout the negotiations as union had feared that jobs cuts could be used to finance the “modernisation” pay deal tabled by the employers side.
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott welcomed the latest developments as “positive progress towards a negotiated settlement”.
(SP)
Hundreds of Fire Brigades Union (FBU) delegates are being summoned to the conference set for June 12, following Tuesday’s decision by the union executive to recommend the final settlement hammered out with employers representatives.
The union has written to members to apprise them of the FBU executive council’s decision to recommend the agreement to the firefighters. A further detailed circular will be sent for to firefighters outlining the full reasons for the executive’s decision.
The FBU executive’s letter sent to members stated: “It is the executive councils view that this negotiated agreement differs significantly from previous offers made by the Employers.
”A further circular will be sent from Head Office as soon as possible explaining in full the reasons for the Executive Council reaching the decision to recommend to the membership this agreement.”
Prior to the recalled union conference, branch meetings will be held by all Brigades so that the union members can consider the recommendation of the Executive Council.
The deal arrived at will give qualified firefighters a 16% pay rise by July 1, 2004. This will take their basic salary to £25,000-a-year. On acceptance of the offer firefighters will get a 4% pay hike backdated to November 2002, and two more phased pay rises amounting to 12% by mid-2004.
Recommending the deal on Tuesday, the FBU General Secretary, Andy Gilchrist, said only that the deal “differed considerably from previous offers”.
The latest deal assures firefighters that overtime will not be used to shore up staff shortages – this had been a bone of contention throughout the negotiations as union had feared that jobs cuts could be used to finance the “modernisation” pay deal tabled by the employers side.
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott welcomed the latest developments as “positive progress towards a negotiated settlement”.
(SP)
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18 April 2005
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05 November 2004
Union calls for halt to bonfire night attacks on firefighters
Firefighters must be able to go about their work unmolested by young thugs who attack crews with fireworks over the bonfire period, the service's union has said. Traditionally, the November 5 Guy Fawkes night sees a big rise in attacks on firefighters, with youngsters luring fire crews with emergency callouts before attacking them.
Union calls for halt to bonfire night attacks on firefighters
Firefighters must be able to go about their work unmolested by young thugs who attack crews with fireworks over the bonfire period, the service's union has said. Traditionally, the November 5 Guy Fawkes night sees a big rise in attacks on firefighters, with youngsters luring fire crews with emergency callouts before attacking them.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
