Received from: FBU
Congress notes the home secretary’s written statement on 16 March 2021, announcing a White Paper on “fire reform”.
Congress rejects plans to impose Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) governance on every fire and rescue service in England, which would undermine democracy and accountability.
Congress condemns the HMICFRS reports in 2021, which contain premeditated attacks on firefighters’ longstanding collective bargaining arrangements, pay and conditions.
Congress condemns Thomas Winsor, the chief fire inspector for England, for his destructive recommendations to abolish the NJC and impose a pay review body, made up of Westminster-appointees, required to work to an agenda and within terms of reference set by government.
Congress rejects Winsor’s demand to tear up the Grey Book, governing firefighters’ national pay and conditions.
Congress further rejects Winsor’s demand that chief fire officers are granted “operational independence”, which would reduce accountability to local communities, while giving them a free hand to dictate to firefighters.
Congress further condemns Winsor’s remarks made in the Daily Telegraph
(18 March 2021), suggesting firefighters’ right to take industrial action should be reviewed by Westminster politicians.
Congress therefore mandates the General Council to support the FBU’s campaign in defence of:
i. fire and rescue services’ independence and democratic governance
ii. firefighters’ pay and conditions of service
iii. the dignity and professionalism of firefighters
iv. firefighters’ right to representation by the trade union of their choice
v. the rights of firefighters to organise and bargain collectively for pay and conditions.
Fire Brigades Union