14 May 2004
The prospect of fire strikes flared up again this week as the Fire Brigades Union agreed to suspend its conference and pull out of the proposed modernisation programme.
Delegates at the FBU's annual conference in Bridlington called on employers to implement a 3.5% pay increase, outstanding since November 2003, and agreed to a month-long adjournment in order to allow members to consult with colleagues. A recall conference in June will decide on a ballot for industrial action.
The union accused employers of 'foot-dragging' over their failure to respond to the concessions the FBU wants to secure if last year's deal is to be implemented in full.
General secretary Andy Gilchrist said: 'The process of change is rapidly going nowhere… Employers either respond urgently to our proposal, or they derail the entire modernisation process.'
The FBU is withholding its agreement to revised terms and conditions, including a proposal that would require firefighters to undertake non-emergency duties between midnight and 7am.
PFmay2004
