Fire Brigades Union begins pay rise negotiations for UK firefighters

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured News

Fire Brigades Union initiates pay discussions with employers

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has formally approached fire service employers to begin negotiations for a pay increase for firefighters and fire control staff in the UK.

As reported by the Fire Brigades Union, more than a decade of real-term pay reductions has been attributed to funding cuts under previous Conservative governments.

With Labour now in government, the union is pushing for funding to support an above-inflation pay increase.

In recent years, collective bargaining efforts have led to pay settlements, including a 4% increase in 2023 alongside other improvements such as enhanced maternity leave and boosted on-call firefighter retainers.

Earlier actions in 2022 and 2023, under the threat of strikes, secured pay rises of 7% and 5% respectively.

Negotiation process and sector-specific challenges

Unlike many public sector roles, firefighter pay negotiations are conducted through collective bargaining, allowing direct discussions between the union and employers.

Negotiations typically cover pay agreements from July to July.

The FBU sees this process as essential for securing fair compensation and aligning firefighter salaries with inflation and economic challenges.

Firefighters in the UK contend with a diverse range of risks, from fires and floods to extreme weather events.

Addressing these evolving demands, the FBU emphasises the importance of pay restoration as part of rebuilding the service after years of budget cuts.

Fire Brigades Union demands Labour government action

The FBU has called on the Labour government to prioritise funding for the fire service, including investment in national standards, training, and equipment.

General Secretary Matt Wrack commented on the current state of the service: “Firefighters put themselves at risk around the clock to keep people safe.

“They protect communities from fires, floods, storms and extreme weather events. Under the Tories, the fire service was subjected to massive cuts.

“One in five firefighter jobs was lost, and real terms pay fell. We now look to Labour to rebuild our fire service.

“Restoring pay is a vital part of this, alongside national standards and investment in training and equipment.

“The new government must make the money available for a substantial above-inflation pay increase to begin the work of making up for lost ground.”

Restoring firefighter pay remains a priority

The union argues that rebuilding the fire service requires a comprehensive approach that includes addressing past pay disparities and ensuring adequate funding for service improvements.

Firefighters and fire control staff have experienced over a decade of pay stagnation despite increased demands on the service, highlighting the importance of current negotiations.

The FBU’s commitment to collective bargaining remains central to securing a fair pay deal while navigating the complexities of public sector funding.

Fire Brigades Union begins pay rise negotiations for UK firefighters: Summary

The Fire Brigades Union has started pay negotiations with UK fire service employers, seeking an above-inflation rise for firefighters and fire control staff.

Years of real-term pay reductions, attributed to funding cuts under Conservative governments, have left the service underfunded.

The union has called on the Labour government to prioritise funding for the fire service, with General Secretary Matt Wrack urging investment in pay restoration, national standards, and equipment.

Recent collective bargaining efforts have secured notable pay increases, but the FBU asserts that further improvements are needed to address past disparities and rebuild the service.

UK fire service receives revised pay offer after backlash

by Breaking News

UPDATED: The Fire Brigades Union has met with fire services employers at the National Joint Council and Middle Managers Negotiating Body following an outcry over the 2% pay increase that was proposed in recent months.

The new offer is a 5% increase on all Grey Book rates of pay, including CPD, from 1 July 2022. 

The move follows the Executive Council of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has voting unanimously rejecting the initial 2% pay increase offer, which it pointed out was a real-terms pay cut in the midst of the cost of living crisis.

FBU response

The following statement has been made by FBU general secretary Matt Wrack: “The Executive Council has today [05.10.22] debated the revised 5% pay proposal from the fire service employers. By unanimous decision, the Executive Council agreed the following.

“The Executive Council recommends that the offer is rejected but this is a decision for our members to make.

“The Executive Council has agreed to commence a membership consultation on the revised proposals. This will consist of a period of consultation briefings and meetings followed by a consultative ballot.

“The Executive Council took note of the following:

  • When we were offered 2%, we were told it was a final offer and employers had no more to offer.
  • We are now told 5% is a final offer and the employers have no more to offer.
  • The only reason for the revised proposal from our employers is the campaign of the FBU, the anger demonstrated by our members and their obvious determination to fight for better pay.
  • When inflation is taken into account, the 5% offer still represents a further cut in real wages.
  • This follows years of austerity, pay stagnation and a decline in real wages.
  • Central government has failed to provide any funding to fire service employers to support additional pay.
  • Central government has deliberately underfunded our service, meaning cuts in services and jobs and squeezing pay for professional firefighters.

“At a time of such high inflation the Executive Council recommends rejection of the 5% offer. The obligation to make an acceptable and reasonable offer lies with the fire service employers. FBU members will decide what is and what is not acceptable. In this process, the only figure which matters is the figure made as an offer by the employers – which our members find acceptable. That is for FBU members to decide.

“We shall be arranging briefings for officials and various meetings and briefings for members over the next few days. Please ensure you attend and participate.”

NFCC response

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) also responded to the increased pay offer: “We note and welcome yesterday’s increased pay offer for firefighters who should be  properly recognised and valued. This is clearly demonstrated every day in the communities they serve.    

“We know this will be a challenging time for fire and rescue services and staff. We support the fire service employers ask of government for financial assistance to ensure more sustainable future funding of fire and rescue services. This also needs to take into account other inflationary pressures, alongside pay, that are impacting on the services provided to local communities.”