Firefighters and control room staff have voted for a nationwide strike

Firefighters and control room staff have voted for a nationwide strike over pay, union bosses announce

Firefighters and control room staff have voted to strike over pay, the Fire Brigades Union announced. 

Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) backed walkouts by 88 per cent on a 73 per cent turnout today after rejecting a below-inflation five per cent pay offer in November last year.

The industrial action will begin on February 9, the union says, giving the Government and employers 10 days to make an improved offer. 

The industrial action will begin on February 9, in what would be the first nationwide fire strike since 2003, unless ‘Government and employers come forward with an improved offer’. 

Matt Wrack, General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said: ‘Firefighters across the UK have spoken. The Fire Brigades Union has a decisive mandate for strike action.

Firefighters and control room staff have voted to strike over pay, the Fire Brigades Union announced.

‘This is an overwhelming vote for strike action against an offer which would mean further significant cuts to real terms wages for firefighters and control room staff.

‘They have already lost at least 12% of the value of their pay since 2010. This is an absolute last resort for our members.’

If talks are unsuccessful, the vote means firefighters will become the latest group of public sector workers to down their tools, following ambulance workers, teachers, and train drivers.

In response to the potential industrial action, fire services are understood to have been training their office staff as back-up to help with emergency call outs.

This could include employees working as cleaners, in human resources, building safety work and finance.

Meanwhile, Mr Wrack added: ‘Our members risk their health and safety, and sometimes their lives, round the clock to keep people safe and serve their communities. 

‘However, with inflation and energy bills rocketing, they are now increasingly struggling to pay the bills or to afford the basics.

‘The government and the employers have the power to stop strikes from happening by making a credible offer that can resolve this dispute. The ball is in their court.

‘We have delayed calling strikes to allow the employers to meet us and to make a new offer. I hope they take that opportunity. Otherwise, in the coming weeks, we intend to announce a series of strike dates and industrial action.’

This is a breaking news story. More to follow. 

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