firefighters strike Britain FBU members vote favour industrial action

Members of the Fire Brigades Union voted in favor of industrial action, bringing the threat of a national strike even closer in Britain.

For the first time since 2003, members of the Fire Brigades Union of Great Britain voted today, Monday 30 January, for industrial action. According to a union spokesperson, with a turnout of 73 percent, 88 percent of its 32,000 members chose to give up the tools. Similarly, in Northern Ireland, with a 68 percent turnout, 94 percent of firefighters voted in favor of the strike.

Today’s result brings the threat of a national strike ever closer. Union bosses offered the government one last chance to improve its offer by giving it another 10 days to think it over. The union rejected a 5 percent wage increase offer last November.

He claimed that one in five jobs have been eliminated since 2010, and that real earnings for firefighters have also fallen 12 percent.

“Firefighters have faced a sustained attack on pay for over a decade, with the average falling to around £4,000 in real terms. Our members face dangerous situations every day and sometimes risk their health to get the job done,” said FBU General Secretary Matt Wrack.

He added: “Facing double-digit inflation and skyrocketing energy bills, they are now being told to take an even bigger real-term pay cut.”

Office and cleaning staff have reportedly received emergency training in anticipation of any industrial action occurring, as reported by thesun.es.

Mark Hardingham, president of the National Fire Chiefs, commented that they were prepared to train “anyone else who is prepared to step up.” There is even the possibility that the army will be recruited to help. Control room staff have also confirmed their solidarity to join the firefighters in the event of a strike.

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