PAY AWARD 2009

Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2009 8:08 pm

Today, I attended a meeting of the National Joint Council (NJC), at which the issue of this year’s pay award was discussed.

Most regrettably – and in breach of previous commitments made by them – the fire service employers refused to present the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) with any proposals for a pay increase, which is due in just 28 days’ time. Among the various reasons cited as justification for the delay, the employers said that they wished to monitor developments in pay disputes in other public services, which had been made worse by the current economic turbulence, before making a proposal. The employers also wished to attach unreasonable conditions to any offer, such as reducing the current flexi-duty increment for officers.

There can be no excuse for the employers’ refusal to make an offer, particularly given that they participated with the FBU in a joint working party on pay for the past seven months, which was set-up with the specific purpose of facilitating a fair and reasonable agreement without the need for conflict.

In the absence of an offer, the FBU tabled a claim for a 2.5% increase in pay. This claim, and any subsequent response from the employers, will be the subject of wide-ranging consultation at branch level.

I will ensure members are kept informed.

Ian Leahair