First firefighters strike in 20 years called off after new pay deal offered
The first national firefighters' strike in 20 years has been postponed after union members received an offer for a new pay deal.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said on Thursday morning that they will not announce any strike dates while a ballot on the offer takes place.
The proposed national strike would be the first to take place in the UK since 2003 and dates were due to be announced today.
The union had warned of strikes if a previous 5% pay offer was not increased following a huge 88% vote in favour of industrial action.
Members had rejected a previous offer of a 2% rise, which union bosses branded "insulting".
Firefighters offered £1,000 a shift to cross picket line during upcoming strikes
The FBU said it will have an “honest and sober” discussion of the new offer, adding it still amounts to a real-terms pay cut given the rate of inflation.
Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “This offer is testament to the power of collective action through the Fire Brigades Union.
“Last year we were offered an insulting 2%. The employers have now revised their position.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) will not announce any strike dates while a ballot is ongoing (PA)“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."
He added that the average firefighter has lost "at least 12% of the value of their pay" since 2010, and the latest offer still amounts to a "real-terms pay cut".
In December, the FBU contrasted the pay of top fire chiefs with that of a “competent wholetime firefighter” who is paid £32,244.
Mr Wrack commented: "Chief fire officers are not worth six times more than firefighters - it was the latter who were called key workers during the pandemic delivering vital services, including moving the bodies of the deceased."
He said that firefighters were "increasingly facing real in-work poverty", including having to use foodbanks and take on additional jobs to afford household basics.
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