FBU demands end to PFCC model after Northamptonshire commissioner steps down

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured News

Union response to PFCC announcement

The Fire Brigades Union has voiced its opinion on the announcement that Stephen Mold, Northamptonshire’s Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner (PFCC), will not seek re-election.

The union has taken this opportunity to call for a reconsideration of the PFCC model of governance, which they argue has allowed for unchecked actions and decisions.

Matt Wrack, the General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, highlighted the union’s stance: “Firefighters and the public have welcomed the news that Stephen Mold will not run for re-election as Northamptonshire’s police, fire and crime commissioner.

“Following eight months of scandal, culminating in unacceptable sexism, Mold should have been formally held to account.

“Instead, the undemocratic police, fire and crime commissioner model has allowed Mold to act with impunity.

“Fire Brigades Union members in Northamptonshire have campaigned with tireless determination for the leadership the service needs.

“The disgraceful saga in Northamptonshire is clear evidence that this experiment in fire service governance cannot continue in any region.”

The call for leadership and accountability

The union’s reaction comes after a tumultuous period under Mold’s tenure, marked by scandals and public outcry.

The Fire Brigades Union argues that the PFCC model has failed to provide the necessary oversight and accountability required for such critical public service roles.

Future implications for fire service governance

The Fire Brigades Union’s strong response to the PFCC model and the specific situation in Northamptonshire raises questions about the future of fire service governance in the UK.

The union’s call for an end to this model could initiate discussions on alternative governance structures that ensure greater accountability and efficiency.

IFSJ Comment

The recent developments in Northamptonshire, marked by the announcement of Stephen Mold not seeking re-election has brought to light the limitations and challenges of the current governance model, prompting a dialogue on the need for reforms that enhance accountability, transparency, and effectiveness in public service leadership.

As the industry moves forward, it will be imperative to consider these insights and explore governance frameworks that are better aligned with the values of democracy, accountability, and public trust.

Fire Brigades Union challenges new Home Office evacuation guidelines

by Associations and OrganisationsBuilding Management

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU), representing a significant number of UK firefighters, has issued a strong criticism of the newly published government guidelines on building evacuation.

This response comes in the wake of the Home Office’s release of evacuation guidelines for fire and rescue services, specifically for high-rise buildings.

The FBU’s letter, addressed to the Home Secretary, James Cleverly MP, dated 1st March 2024, expresses concerns that the guidelines fail to provide adequate assurance or practical guidance to residents and firefighters, particularly in scenarios reminiscent of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

Details from the letter

The letter, penned by Matt Wrack, General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, states: “These guidelines will not reassure residents in high-rise buildings. They do not help disabled and vulnerable residents.

“These guidelines do not explain to incident commanders how to evacuate high-rise buildings.”

The union emphasises that the guidelines, which are the result of a joint Home Office and Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities technical steering group formed in December 2019, fall short in several critical areas.

The FBU criticises the guidelines for their brevity and lack of substance, noting that they consist of just nine pages and fail to address key issues such as the protection of fire exit routes and specific evacuation procedures for people unable to use stairs.

FBU’s  stance on evacuation guidelines

Wrack further remarked in the letter: “It is a disgrace that more than four years after the GTI report, the Home Office can only manage a publication of nine pages in length containing so little of real substance.”

The FBU’s stance is that the guidelines, while summarising some basic evacuation principles, offer little in the way of new or substantial information that would assist fire and rescue services in effectively planning and executing evacuations in high-rise buildings.

The union also expresses disappointment in the live test exercises conducted by the Home Office, describing them as unrealistic and not representative of conditions in a disaster similar to the Grenfell Tower fire.

IFSJ Comment

The Fire Brigades Union’s critique of the Home Office’s evacuation guidelines highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety of residents in high-rise buildings, especially in emergency situations.

The Union’s call for more comprehensive and practical guidance reflects the need for robust policies that address the complexities of high-rise evacuations, including the needs of vulnerable residents.

This situation underscores the importance of continuous improvement in fire safety standards and the vital role of fire and rescue services in protecting the public.

The FBU’s input, as a body representing frontline firefighters, is crucial in shaping effective and realistic fire safety policies.

Fire Brigades Union appeals against pension changes in court

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured News

Fire Brigades Union takes legal action over pension scheme alterations

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) is currently challenging alterations to public sector pensions initiated by HM Treasury in 2019.

The legal action, set against the backdrop of a three-day hearing in the Court of Appeal starting on 20 February 2024, addresses the government’s decision to pass the costs of remedying its own discrimination, as established by court rulings, onto members of public service pension schemes.

Background to the pension changes

Following the 2011 Hutton Report on public service pensions, the Public Service Pensions Act 2013 introduced a Costs Control Mechanism (CCM) to manage the expenses of public sector pensions.

This mechanism allowed for certain cost increases related to pension scheme members’ personal circumstances to be transferred to them through higher contributions or reduced benefits.

However, it excluded “employer costs” such as actuarial valuations from this calculation.

Subsequent reforms in 2015 shifted pensions to be based on career average earnings and introduced transitional protections, which were later deemed as age discriminatory by the Court of Appeal in the Sargeant and McCloud cases of 2019.

The FBU’s stance and legal challenge

The FBU’s appeal, supported by legal representation from Thompsons Solicitors LLP, contests a 2021 Treasury Direction that allows the costs of rectifying the age discrimination identified in these cases, known as the McCloud/Sargeant Remedy Cost (MSRC), to be borne by members of the new public sector pension schemes.

The union argues that this constitutes a further instance of age discrimination and misapplies the CCM and the powers of the 2013 Act.

Matt Wrack, General Secretary of the FBU, expressed his disbelief and frustration: “The FBU has shown that the 2015 pension scheme changes were age discriminatory.

“It beggars belief that the government should be able to change the rules so that the costs of remedying its own discrimination are passed onto firefighters who have already seen their pensions cut.

“Firefighters dedicate their lives to serving the public, and their work is highly demanding.

“Like all workers, they deserve pensions which reflect their commitment without being eroded by unfair cost adjustments. This appeal is a stand for justice.

“We are resolute in our fight for what is right for our members, and we will not rest until everyone has access to a decent pension.”

Richard Arthur, Head of Trade Union Law at Thompsons Solicitors LLP, further commented on the government’s actions: “It’s a well-established principle that the government can’t use its power under statute to thwart the objective of the Act – in this case, the Public Service Pensions Act 2013.

“That’s what’s happening here, as well as a second round of discrimination against firefighters.”

Implications for public sector pensions

The outcome of this legal challenge has broad implications for all public sector pension schemes and the millions of workers who are part of them.

It raises critical questions about the fairness of pension adjustments and the government’s accountability in rectifying past discriminations.

IFSJ Comment

The Fire Brigades Union’s appeal against the government’s pension scheme changes highlights a significant legal and ethical battle over public sector pensions.

This challenge underscores the complexities of rectifying past injustices while ensuring that the costs do not unfairly burden the very individuals affected by previous discriminations.

As this case progresses through the Court of Appeal, it underscores the ongoing struggle for equitable pension rights and the broader implications for public sector workers across the UK.

Avon fire authority suspends firefighter cuts following union campaign

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured News

Avon fire authority to pause proposed firefighter cuts

In a significant development on 19 February, the Avon Fire Authority announced plans to pause cuts to 40 firefighter positions.

This decision comes after a concerted campaign by firefighters against the authority’s initial decision last autumn to reduce wholetime firefighter posts and decrease fire engine crew sizes from five to four members across the service.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) had expressed concerns that these reductions would compromise public and firefighter safety.

A rally, attracting over 60 participants, was held outside the fire authority meeting, demonstrating widespread support for the firefighters’ cause.

The authority is expected to confirm this decision formally at their forthcoming meeting.

Comment from the Fire Brigades Union

Matt Wrack, General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, commented on the authority’s change of course: “Avon fire authority has made the right decision to listen to the concerns of the frontline and halt plans to cut 40 firefighter posts.

“This follows months of campaigning by Fire Brigades Union members. Today’s rally showed the impact of firefighters and the public standing together against cuts.

“The Fire Brigades Union will continue to fight to ensure that our services receive the investment they urgently need.”

Amanda Mills, South West Regional Treasurer for the FBU, also reflected on the campaign’s success: “Firefighters in Avon fought an impressive campaign against cuts to our service.

“Today’s fire authority decision shows that when we stand together, for public and firefighter safety, we can win.

“It’s clear that Avon Fire and Rescue Service needs urgent and sustainable investment.

“The Fire Brigades Union will continue to fight for the long-term future of our vital service.”

Firefighters’ union challenges new minimum service levels regulation

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured News

Government announces minimum service levels for fire and rescue sector

The government has introduced Minimum Service Levels regulations for the fire and rescue service, mandating employers to issue ‘work notices’ to ensure staff attendance on strike days.

The directive requires fire and rescue services to maintain crews for 73% of fire engines and other vehicles during any strike action.

Union decries move as “authoritarian”

Matt Wrack, General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), has condemned the government’s announcement as an authoritarian measure aimed at curtailing the right to strike within the fire and rescue services.

Wrack stated: “This is an outrageous and authoritarian plan to seek to ban strikes in the Fire and Rescue Service.

“The government wants this in place so that it can attack the pay and conditions of firefighters and other workers.

“It’s one of the worst assaults in the last century on the rights of working people to defend themselves.

“The Fire Brigades Union will resist this dictatorial legislation in every way possible.”

Further criticism of government’s “draconian” regulations

In a follow-up response, Wrack further criticised the government’s regulations as a draconian attempt to ban strike action, labelling it a direct attack on the democratic rights of firefighters, control room staff, and other fire service workers.

He highlighted the impracticality of the requirement that 73% of fire engines must be crewed during any strike action, noting the irony given a decade of budget cuts that have left many fire engines unmanned.

“The Conservative government has announced regulations that amount to a draconian attempt to ban strike action in the fire and rescue service.

“This is a direct attack on the democratic rights of firefighters, control room staff and other fire service workers,” said Wrack.

Fire Brigades Union announces plan to tackle sexual harassment

by Featured News

Fire Brigades Union endorses initial action plan to address sexual harassment

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has announced a comprehensive plan aimed at tackling sexual harassment within its ranks.

At a meeting of the union’s Executive Council, officials voted to endorse an ‘initial action plan’, which is set to include mandatory training for all union officials on sexual harassment, the creation of safe spaces, and an annual equalities audit among other measures.

A full plan to be adopted by summer

Following thorough discussions at the FBU conference in May, a full plan is expected to be adopted by the summer.

This initiative is a response to a report by independent consultants Laura Harrison and Robert Wishart, which was proactively commissioned by the FBU leadership after evaluating internal discussions and investigations into unions such as the GMB, TSSA, and Royal College of Nursing (RCN).

Report findings and union’s commitment

The report, which involved a detailed survey completed by all women and all black and minority ethnic members of the union, along with a random selection of other members, did not find misconduct by senior national officials but indicated that sexual harassment was a concern at lower levels within the union.

Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, expressed the union’s stance against sexual harassment: “Sexual harassment has no place in the trade union movement, or in society more broadly.

“The Fire Brigades Union stands with the victims of this behaviour, just as it stands on the side of everyone facing discrimination and oppression.

“Today’s announcement is a key moment in our campaign to root any sexual harassment out of the FBU and the fire and rescue service more widely.

“It was and is clear that sexual harassment is a serious issue in both the fire service and in the trade union movement. We knew that we would not be immune.

“We took the step of commissioning an independent report because we wanted to uncover the unvarnished truth, and because we are determined to combat sexual harassment in all its forms.

“The findings of the report are serious, and we are fully committed to addressing them.

“I would like to pay tribute to the FBU’s national women’s committee, who have played such a crucial role in pushing this work forward.

“The union’s equality sections will be at the heart of what we do on this issue.”

Robyn Richardson, Fire Brigades Union national women’s committee secretary, highlighted the significance of the union’s actions: “As recent reports have highlighted, sexual harassment is a significant issue for many women in the fire and rescue service, and while the findings of today’s independent report are not surprising, they are sobering.

“It is positive that we have as a union taken a proactive approach to uncovering sexual harassment, and now it is time to root it out. Today’s action plan is the start of that.

“The FBU national women’s committee will play a central role in shaping the union’s campaigning, but it is the duty of every firefighter to speak up and call out sexual harassment where they see it.”

IFSJ Comment

The Fire Brigades Union’s initiative to tackle sexual harassment through an ‘initial action plan’ is a positive step towards fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all its members.

By taking proactive measures, including mandatory training and the establishment of safe spaces, the FBU demonstrates its commitment to combating discrimination and promoting equality within the fire and rescue service.

This plan, following the revelations of an independent report, signals the union’s dedication to transparency and accountability.

It is a testament to the importance of collective action and the crucial role that equality sections play in driving change.

As the FBU moves forward with its comprehensive strategy, it sets a precedent for other organisations in addressing similar challenges.

Fire Brigades Union announces next phase of Equality Matters campaign

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured News

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) unveiled the latest chapter in its Equality Matters initiative, aiming to spearhead change within the fire and rescue service.

This move comes in response to various reports revealing the widespread issues of discrimination, harassment, and bullying in the sector.

Equality Matters: New resources and standards to combat workplace discrimination

The campaign’s new phase was marked by the release of a video featuring FBU activists from different equality strands, distributed widely across social media platforms.

Additionally, the FBU has created an online hub dedicated to the Equality Matters campaign, and posters are set to be displayed in fire stations and control rooms throughout the UK in the coming week.

In an effort to enforce change, the union is compiling a comprehensive set of standards for the fire and rescue sector, intending to hold services accountable for their actions and policies regarding equality.

Union leadership voices commitment to equality

Matt Wrack, the general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, expressed his dedication to the cause: “I am proud to be launching the next phase of the Fire Brigades Union’s Equality Matters campaign today.

“We stand for equality – for an inclusive fire and rescue service, open to everyone, which reflects the communities it serves.”

Wrack emphasised the importance of a workplace free from abuse and mistreatment as a fundamental right and a core health and safety issue.

He highlighted the findings of recent reports, which confirm the extensive nature of discriminatory practices within the fire service, extending to leadership levels and attributed to long-standing negligence by government and fire service authorities.

“This situation is the result of decades of failings by government and fire service leaders.

“As the only democratic and representative body for firefighters and control room staff, the Fire Brigades Union will take a leading role in transforming the fire and rescue service,” Wrack stated, underlining the union’s commitment to leading the sector towards significant change.

IFSJ Comment

The Fire Brigades Union’s launch of the next phase of its Equality Matters campaign represents a critical step towards addressing and eradicating the deep-rooted issues of discrimination, harassment, and bullying within the fire and rescue service.

By introducing new resources and setting standards, the FBU is not only advocating for a more inclusive and respectful workplace but is also holding the sector accountable for its actions and policies.

This initiative is a commendable effort to ensure that fire and rescue services across the UK truly reflect and serve their communities, promoting a culture of equality and safety for all personnel.

Firefighters receive £20m settlement over Grenfell Tower tragedy

by Featured News

Settlement reached for firefighters affected by Grenfell Tower fire

The union representing firefighters in the UK has confirmed a High Court settlement of £20m for members impacted by the Grenfell Tower fire.

A total of 114 firefighters, who faced personal injury and trauma from their response to the tragic event on 14 June 2017, were part of the claim.

The legal action focused on personal injury and loss due to alleged negligence and breach of statutory duty during the blaze at the 24-story block of flats in West London.

Thompsons Solicitors, a national law firm, represented the firefighters with support from The Fire Brigades Union (FBU).

The claim targeted several defendants, including Arconic Architectural Products, Celotex, and Rydon Maintenance Limited, companies linked to the combustible cladding and refurbishment of the building’s exterior which contributed to the fire’s rapid spread.

Additional defendants were the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and the London Fire Commissioner.

The background and implications of the settlement

The Grenfell Tower fire remains the deadliest in the UK since World War II, resulting in 72 fatalities and numerous injuries.

It left many residents without homes and sparked a public inquiry set to deliver its final report this year.

This settlement follows an earlier High Court decision, awarding compensation to nearly 900 bereaved, survivors, and residents impacted by the tragedy.

The court specified that these settlements relate solely to civil damages claims, without affecting the ongoing public inquiry or the possibility of future criminal charges.

Union and legal representatives speak out

Matt Wrack, General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, highlighted the broader implications of the Grenfell tragedy, emphasising the systemic failings in building safety and government accountability.

“The aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy is a stark reminder of the systemic failings of building safety and government accountability.

“Firefighters, many of whom have been deeply affected by the horrors they witnessed, continue to advocate for those living in unsafe conditions,” he stated.

Wrack criticised the prioritisation of private profit over public safety and called for governmental action to prevent future disasters and ensure accountability.

Vincent Reynolds from Thompsons Solicitors’ personal injury team, representing the firefighters, reflected on the lasting impact of the Grenfell Tower fire on those who responded.

“The Grenfell Tower fire left an indelible mark on the firefighters who responded to the call.

Many bear the psychological scars of that night, struggling with trauma from the harrowing experience,” he said.

Reynolds expressed hope that the settlement would provide some closure for the firefighters, acknowledging the long-term nature of their injuries.

IFSJ Comment

The £20m settlement awarded to firefighters for their bravery and sacrifices during the Grenfell Tower fire represents a critical acknowledgment of the profound impact such tragedies have on first responders.

Beyond the financial compensation, this settlement highlights the need for comprehensive reforms in building safety and fire response protocols to protect both the public and emergency personnel.

As the public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire concludes, it is imperative that lessons are learned and implemented to prevent a recurrence of such a devastating event.

The Fire Brigades Union’s commitment to advocating for safer living conditions and accountability is a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and reform in the wake of Grenfell.

Union leader’s pledge for widespread opposition to new anti-strike legislation

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured News

Union leader vows mass resistance to anti-strike laws

Union’s stance against the Minimum Service Levels Act

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has organised a national demonstration in Cheltenham to protest against the government’s newly introduced anti-union legislation, the Minimum Service Levels Act.

This event coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Thatcher government’s efforts to prohibit GCHQ employees from joining trade unions, a policy that was eventually overturned in 1997 by the Labour government following significant opposition and campaigning.

Matt Wrack, the General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, spoke ahead of the protest, highlighting the implications of the current government’s actions: “In its final months in office, this dying Tory government is seeking to prevent workers from striking even when they have a democratic mandate to do so.

“In the fire and rescue service, as in other sectors, this could amount to a de-facto strike ban.”

He emphasised the union movement’s refusal to accept what he described as an attack on fundamental democratic rights.

Trade union response and future plans

Wrack further commented on the government’s agenda, stating: “The Tories’ agenda is about driving down wages and conditions while the rich get richer.”

He announced the TUC’s commitment to a comprehensive campaign against the Minimum Service Levels Act, including the possibility of non-compliance.

Additionally, Wrack expressed optimism about a future Labour government, expecting it to repeal not only the Minimum Service Levels Act but also the 2016 Trade Union Act within its first 100 days.

Historical context and significance

The protest marks a significant historical moment, as it occurs on the anniversary of a similar struggle faced by GCHQ workers decades ago.

The government’s recent move to introduce the Minimum Service Levels Act has sparked controversy and drawn parallels to past attempts to limit union activities.

The TUC’s demonstration and the strong statements from union leaders like Matt Wrack reflect ongoing tensions between the government and trade unions over workers’ rights and the legality of strike actions.

Fire Brigades Union expresses concerns over proposed deregulation of furniture safety standards

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsSafety

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has raised alarms over a government proposal to revise furniture safety regulations, warning that the potential deregulation could lead to an increase in fatalities.

This concern arises amidst the government’s contemplation of significant reforms in fire safety regulations, particularly affecting furniture standards and building safety.

Fire safety regulations under scrutiny

Introduced in 1988, the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations mandate manufacturers to conduct independent flammability testing on furniture.

These measures have been credited with saving an estimated 50 to 70 lives annually.

However, the Westminster government has recently proposed shifting from these stringent rules to a more voluntary regime.

This proposal follows a consultation period on the plans, which concluded earlier in the year, with ministers currently considering the proposed changes.

Union’s standpoint on safety and deregulation

Matt Wrack, General Secretary of the FBU, expressed grave concerns regarding the government’s direction.

He highlighted the importance of the current regulations in saving lives and argued that the advent of new hazards, such as lithium batteries, necessitates more, not less, regulation.

Wrack also pointed to the Grenfell Tower disaster as a tragic reminder of the consequences of profit-driven deregulation.

In his words: “We had hoped that the Grenfell Tower disaster would make ministers wake up to the dangers of profit-driven de-regulation.

It seems they have learned nothing.

Ministers must think again.”

Government perspective and environmental considerations

On the other side of the debate, there are arguments in favor of revising these regulations.

The UK government aims to upgrade its Furniture Fire Safety regulations to enhance safety provisions and encourage the introduction of newer, innovative materials.

Additionally, scientists and the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee have raised concerns about the environmental and health impacts of flame-retardant chemicals currently incentivized by the existing regulations.

Global policy shifts and scientific evidence

The need for revision is further emphasized by changes in international policy responses and evolving scientific evidence regarding the use of flame-retardant chemicals (CFRs).

This ongoing scientific dialogue reflects a global reevaluation of fire safety standards, particularly concerning furniture and furnishings.

IFSJ Comment

The debate over the proposed deregulation of furniture safety standards in the UK presents a critical juncture in fire safety policy.

On one hand, the Fire Brigades Union’s concerns highlight the potential risk to human life, drawing upon decades of safety regulation history and the lessons from tragedies like Grenfell Tower.

On the other, the government’s intention to revise these regulations, driven by environmental concerns and the advancement of safety materials, signifies a shift towards a modern approach to fire safety.

This situation underscores the need for a balanced perspective that prioritizes public safety while embracing technological and scientific advancements.

The outcome of this debate will have profound implications for fire safety standards, the manufacturing industry, and public health in the UK.