Firefighters reject 5% wage hike offer, look to vote for going on strike. Details here
The Fire Brigades Union announced a strike vote after proposals for a salary hike that reflected the growing inflation rate was rejected.
By ET Spotlight Special |
Agencies
Firefighters will begin voting for a strike in the current industrial conflict over salary hike. According to the Fire Brigades Union, the voting comes after members rejected a 5% salary hike. They stated that inflation is at a record 11.1% and that firemen and control personnel want a "significant salary raise" to reflect the cost-of-living problem.
Wrack stated that firemen utilize food banks, and FBU authorities have to approve members travelling to them. He also said these workers gave their best throughout the pandemic and performed extra jobs, such as transferring corpses and whatnot.
He also mentioned that they have received a wage offer lower than inflation and that it is terrible to refer to individuals as "important employees."
What has the Fire Brigades Union general secretary said?
The Fire Brigades Union's general secretary, Matt Wrack, described the vote as "historic" for firefighters and control personnel. He remarked that they are rarely pushed to such extremes. He further stated that no one wants to be in their shoes. After years of low raises and a pay offer considerably below inflation, firemen's and control staff's living conditions are in jeopardy.Wrack stated that firemen utilize food banks, and FBU authorities have to approve members travelling to them. He also said these workers gave their best throughout the pandemic and performed extra jobs, such as transferring corpses and whatnot.
Firefighters and emergency workers battled two massive wildfires Sunday in an area of the Florida Panhandle that was still recovering from destruction caused by a Category 5 hurricane more than three years ago.
He also mentioned that they have received a wage offer lower than inflation and that it is terrible to refer to individuals as "important employees."
FAQs:
- Did FBU inform the government of their planned actions?
Yes. Last week, the union warned that it would formally issue a ballot notice if its requests were not addressed by Monday. Now that the deadline has gone, members will have until the end of January to vote on whether to strike. - Is the government involved in FBU wage negotiations?
The FBU stated that while the government has "no direct role in pay negotiations," it does provide a significant amount of cash for fire and rescue services.
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