The Fire Brigade Union has refused to co-operate with an independent review
of the service announced by the Government to try and settle the firefighters’
pay dispute and head off strike action.
The FBU, which is pushing for a 40 per cent pay increase, has threatened its
first national strike since 1977 after rejecting the UK Fire Employers’ offer
of a 4 per cent increase from November.
Andy Gilchrist, FBU general secretary, said he would not support the review
because it will examine all aspects of the service, and not simply address pay.
Jim Chrystie, a spokesman for the UK Fire Employers, said the review
represents the best chance of an agreement being reached.
The union executive has called a conference for 12 September to discuss the
possibility of a strike ballot.
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