Received from: FBU
Congress notes the long-standing collective bargaining arrangements within the UK fire and rescue service, embodied in the National Joint Council (NJC) and the Grey Book.
Congress notes the role of the NJC and the Grey Book in determining firefighters’ pay and conditions, as well as resolving a wide range of disputes.
Congress commends the NJC for its rapid response to the Covid-19 pandemic, including its key role in the tripartite agreement between the FBU, fire employers and the chief fire officers’ body, the NFCC, to enable firefighters to assist the NHS.
Congress notes the evidence from the first round of fire inspection reports in England in 2018–19, which included numerous positive comments about the role of union reps in improving matters such as equalities, health and safety, grievance and discipline.
Congress condemns the political attack on the NJC and Grey Book made by the chief fire inspector in England, Tom Winsor, in January 2020. In particular his call for a pay review body to replace these existing arrangements. Congress believes there is no basis for the chief inspector’s attack on collective bargaining and his attacks on the FBU.
Congress believes that any moves by the Westminster government to break up the NJC and the Grey Book would damage industrial relations and disrupt the UK fire and rescue service.
Congress supports the FBU’s campaign to maintain collective bargaining across the UK fire and rescue service.
Fire Brigades Union