fire brigades - united demand
WORKERS, JUNE 2004 ISSUE
Delegates at the annual conference of the Fire Brigades Union in May united behind a demand for employers to implement the June 2003 Pay Agreement or risk a total derailment of the "modernisation" process.
The employers have still not paid out the 3.5% rise due in November and are constantly changing their position over the wording of the agreement. A key issue is whether firefighters should carry out training and other duties at night rather than sleep for part of their shift. The union will hold a Recall Conference in June to decide on a ballot for action if progress is not made, or if at any time the government moves to impose a settlement.