Firefighters Union says Reform UK poses ‘direct threat to workers’ rights’ in UK by-election

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured News

Firefighters campaign against Reform UK ahead of vote in Runcorn and Helsby

The Fire Brigades Union has reported that firefighters are campaigning in Runcorn and Helsby against the policies of Reform UK, which they say pose a direct threat to workers’ rights.

The union said the campaign comes ahead of the 1 May by-election and involves local firefighters distributing leaflets that criticise Reform UK’s record on public service funding, support for private healthcare, and voting history on employment rights.

The Fire Brigades Union stated that Nigel Farage, who has visited the constituency three times in recent weeks, is promoting policies that would negatively impact NHS services, schools and fire and rescue provision.

Union criticises Reform UK’s voting record and policy positions

The Fire Brigades Union reported that Reform UK has consistently voted against proposals to improve workers’ rights in Parliament.

According to the union, the party also supports reductions in public spending and advocates for increased private sector involvement in healthcare and other public services.

It said this policy direction would reduce the quality and accessibility of public services, affecting not only firefighters but also the communities they serve.

Fire Brigades Union general secretary issues public warning

Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright said:
“Trade unions have a responsibility to take a leading role in countering the rise of the far right. Farage and Reform present a direct threat to workers’ rights in our country.”

“Reform is a part of the establishment. We cannot allow their divisive anti-migrant politics to pit workers against each other.”

“Their policies and track record speak for themselves: threatening to slash and privatise public services, voting against improvements to working conditions in parliament.”

“Firefighters and other public sector workers are warning of the dangers that this far-right party presents to all voters.”

Local firefighter speaks out against party’s impact on the community

The Fire Brigades Union shared the views of Jack Fellows, a firefighter based in Runcorn, who is taking part in the campaign.

Jack Fellows said:
“It’s our duty as firefighters to fight for what is right and stand up for public services. We cannot stand by while Nigel Farage and his party attempt to divide our community.”

“Firefighters do not trust Reform. Farage pretends to be anti-establishment and a man of the people, but he was born rich and worked as a stockbroker. He doesn’t represent us. We see through the spin – his party is interested in protecting profits and the interests of the rich above everything else.”

“Reform has no place in Runcorn and Helsby.”

Firefighters say Reform UK poses ‘a direct threat to workers’ rights’ in UK by-election: Summary

The Fire Brigades Union has reported that firefighters are campaigning against Reform UK in the Runcorn and Helsby by-election.

The union said the campaign includes leaflet distribution warning voters about the party’s stance on public service funding and workers’ rights.

Reform UK received 18 percent of the vote in the 2024 general election in this constituency.

Nigel Farage has visited Runcorn and Helsby three times in recent weeks.

The union stated that Reform UK supports policies which reduce NHS, school and fire service funding.

It added that the party backs private healthcare and has voted against workers’ rights in Parliament.

Steve Wright, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said Reform UK threatens workers’ rights and public services.

Jack Fellows, a firefighter in Runcorn, criticised the party’s attempt to present itself as anti-establishment.

The union said the campaign is focused on informing voters ahead of polls opening on 1 May.

This news applies to the United Kingdom.

Act seeks nationwide empowerment for public safety workers

by AmericasFeatured NewsSafety

In a significant legislative development, the bipartisan Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act has been reintroduced this week, poised to bestow essential labor rights upon thousands of firefighters and emergency medical service (EMS) personnel across the United States. This pivotal legislation aims to grant public safety workers the right to form a union, collectively bargain for equitable hours and remuneration, and establish efficient mechanisms to overcome impasses in negotiations.

“Today, a large number of our country’s firefighters and EMS workers are voiceless, unable to stand up for themselves, their families, and the communities they swore to protect,” said General President Edward Kelly. “This right to advocate is one that every worker should have. When we’re seated at the bargaining table, we’re championing health and safety improvements that save lives.”

Upon enactment, the bill promises basic collective bargaining rights nationwide, extending to 18 states where such rights are currently unattainable for firefighters. This legislation provides states with the flexibility to draft and enforce their laws while adhering to the following minimum standards:

  1. The right to form and join a labour organisation and achieve recognition through the formation and agreement of a contract.
  2. The right to negotiate working conditions, hours, and wages.
  3. The ability to break negotiation deadlocks and, if an agreement is reached, enforce it in court or through an administrative agency.

This legislation expressly prohibits strikes or lockouts, respects right-to-work laws, and does not interfere with existing state laws and collective bargaining agreements.

Republican Rep. Pete Stauber, a former police officer, and Democratic Rep. Dan Kildee were at the helm of the bill’s reintroduction.

Stauber, reflecting on his own experience as a union-forming police officer, stated: “Labor rights are essential for the brave souls who risk their lives daily serving our communities. Given the recent challenges our public safety officers have faced, securing their voice in the workplace is more critical than ever.”

Kildee added: “Every worker, including police officers, firefighters, and EMS workers, should have the right to join a union and bargain for better wages and safer working conditions. I am proud to collaborate with Republicans and Democrats alike to extend collective bargaining rights for public safety officers.”

The bill’s cosponsors include Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE), Mike Bost (R-IL), Angie Craig (D-MN), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Tom Kean (R-NJ), Susie Lee (D-NE), Mike Levin (D-CA), Kathy Manning (D-NC), Dean Phillips (D-MN), Chris Smith (R-NJ), and Gabe Vasquez (D-NM).

“The IAFF proudly endorses the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2023. We urge Congress to pass this pragmatic, bipartisan legislation and protect the basic labor rights of American workers,” said Kelly. “If you are willing to risk your life for others, you absolutely deserve a seat at the negotiating table.”

About the IAFF

The IAFF represents the interests of professional fire fighters and paramedics in the United States and Canada. It’s committed to improving working conditions, ensuring health and safety standards, and promoting fairness and equality for all fire service professionals.

IAFC calls for reauthorisation of vital firefighter programs

by AmericasFeatured News

International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) President and Board Chair, Chief Donna Black, made a significant appearance before Congress, testifying at the Research & Technology Subcommittee of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on May 11.

Black’s impassioned testimony advocated for the reauthorisation of three critical programs: the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program, and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA).

These programs, Black emphasised, are integral to providing essential resources to fire departments and emergency responders nationwide. She specifically proposed that both the AFG and SAFER programs be reauthorised through Fiscal Year 2030 and that the USFA receive authorisation through FY 2030 with an increased funding of $95 million annually.

During her testimony, Black underscored the success of these programs in offering matching grants to local fire departments, addressing their fundamental requirements. However, she pointed out that numerous departments continue to face challenges in equipping their members with personal protective gear and necessary training.

Black also spotlighted the pivotal role of Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grants in financing research that aims to identify and mitigate the growing incidence of cancer in the fire service.

The IAFC President requested an extension of the sunset date for the AFG and SAFER programs to September 30, 2032. This would provide Congress with sufficient time to review and revise the programs before their potential termination.

“I thank the subcommittee for focusing on reauthorising these programs. They provide important resources, but there still remains work to be done,” Black stated. “On behalf of the IAFC and its members, I look forward to working with the subcommittee to draft and pass legislation to reauthorise these critical programs.”

The IAFC, representing over 11,000 members including fire chiefs, firefighters, and emergency responders nationwide, has underscored the significant role of the AFG and SAFER programs, as well as the USFA, in supporting the country’s emergency response system. Their reauthorisation is seen as critical in ensuring fire departments across the nation are well-equipped to protect their communities.

Fire Brigades Union criticises anti-refugee bill

by Featured News

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has criticised the UK government’s anti-refugee bill calling it ‘a crude attempt to divide people’.

A spontaneously-called emergency demonstration is took place in Parliament Square on Monday evening at 6pm in opposition to the second reading of the Illegal Immigration Bill where attendees heard from a number of high profile speakers. 

‘Firefighting is above all a humanitarian job‘

Speaking ahead of the protest, FBU General Secretary Matt Wrack said: “The Illegal Immigration Bill is an inhumane piece of legislation which criminalises asylum seekers and violates the UK’s international obligations to refugees. 

“Firefighting is above all a humanitarian job. Our members do not ask to see people’s passports before rescuing them. 

“The government’s anti-migrant agenda is a crude attempt to divide people against each other. It is a threat not just to the human rights of refugees, but to all of us. While the government points at refugees, they want us to ignore the horrors that their policies have created for millions across the country. 

“Workers are tired of falling wages, neglected communities and crumbling public services. The answer to these very real problems is solidarity, public investment and decent pay – not cruel laws like this one.”

Government to hold ‘State of the Fire and Rescue Service’ session

by Featured News

NFCC Chair Mark Hardingham is set to give evidence to the government’s Home Affairs Committee later this week. The non-inquiry session on the ‘State of the Fire and Rescue Service’ is set to take place on Wednesday, November 9th at 9.45am and can be watched via Parliament TV.  

Hardingham will join Roy Wilsher, HM Inspector of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services and Matt Wrack, General Secretary, Fire Brigades Union. 

It follows up on a previous session held by the committee in March this year. The catalyst for the session was HMICFRS’s annual assessment of fire and rescue services in England, published at the end of 2021. 

This previous session examined a range of areas related to fire, through the lens of the HMI inspections and recommendations, and had a focus on equality and diversity and the inclusive nature of fire and rescue services. 

As well as taking questions from the committee on the state of the fire and rescue service, the NFCC Chair will also take the opportunity to discuss the response of fire and rescue services during the recent heatwave, challenges currently facing the sector – including the cost-of-living crisis – and the prevention, protection and response work taking place across the UK.

The committee is a cross-party committee of MPs responsible for scrutinising the work of the Home Office and its associated bodies. 

There will also be opportunities for the committee members to ask a range of questions about what challenges and opportunities fire and rescue services currently face.

Panel formed to enforce fire safety norms for vulnerable buildings in Maharashtra

by Featured NewsSafety

The Maharashtra government has informed the Bombay High Court Monday that it has issued a government resolution to set up a four-member committee to enforce fire safety norms for vulnerable buildings.

Led by former Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation commissioner Pravin Pardeshi, the committee will prepare a report with recommendations for implementation of draft regulations for fire safety in buildings vulnerable to man-made disasters.

The regulations were established in 2009 in the aftermath of the 26/11 terror attack, which took place in 2008. The court directed the panel to submit its report with recommendations in two months.

The panel will submit a report in consultation with the concerned experts in the field. “The draft rules are of 2009. We are now in 2022. The committee shall see if we need to improve the rules and our system,” the court said last month.

This week, government pleader Hiten Venegaonkar told the bench that the proposal was approved by the state government, which issued a GR in that regard on August 18 with eight terms of reference for the panel to deliberate upon. The court also asked the panel to give a personal hearing to the petitioner to give her suggestions for its consideration.

The bench said that final recommendations of the panel shall be placed before the state government as soon as they are prepared and same shall be placed before the court on October 20, when the PIL shall be listed next for further consideration.

Lord Greenhalgh thanks fire industry for Ukraine convoy

by Featured NewsProductsVehicles

Lord Greenhalgh, the Minister of State for Building Safety and Fire at the Department for Levelling Up, Communities & Housing and Home Office, has expressed his gratitude to the fire industry for their commitment and time in providing the 22 vehicle convoy to Ukraine in a letter to the Fire Industry Association

FIA CEO Ian Moore has received a letter from Lord Greenhalgh, thanking the fire industry for their commitment to providing much-needed fire and rescue equipment to Ukraine after the industry sent a the largest ever single donation of fire and rescue equipment from the UK. 

The Minister stated “The success of the convoy in delivering sorely needed equipment exemplifies what can be achieved when fire and rescue services, the charity and industry sectors, and government work together – and is a testament to your commitment and dedication.”

Lord Greenhalgh continued: “I have been particularly impressed by the scale of the collaboration between a wide range of stakeholders; not only between the fire and rescue services, FireAid and the industry sector, but also the NFCC, the National Resilience Assurance Team in Merseyside, which co-ordinated the activities of the services, UK ISAR and officials in Cabinet Office and Border Force who worked so hard to speed up the administrative processes.”

He concluded “I would also like to pay homage to the fire and rescue services generally for their generosity in donating this quantity of equipment in support of their fire and rescue colleagues in Ukraine.

“I hope you all take pride in what you have achieved in making this convoy happen in support of the Ukrainian fire and rescue services and the Ukrainian people.”