Emergency motion - E3 Government attacks on the emergency services

Congress notes with deep concern the government consultation launched on 11 September 2015 on “Enabling closer working between the emergency services”.

Congress notes that the government is proposing to:

i. hand over local fire and rescue services to police and crime commissioners, who do not have the mandate, expertise and legitimacy to undertake this important work

ii. abolish local fire authorities made up of democratically elected councillors and replace them with unelected quangos made up of cronies

iii. take firefighters, emergency fire control staff and fire support staff out of national pay and conditions, pensions and other current arrangements, aiming to drive down their living standards.

Congress also notes that these moves will worsen the services provided to the public and prepare the ground for wholesale privatisation of the sector.

Congress notes that these proposals will compromise the independence of humanitarian services such as the fire and rescue service and the ambulance service, and undermine community engagement.

Congress further notes that these moves are an attack on independent trade unionism in this sector.

Congress resolves:

a. to oppose any moves by police and crime commissioners to take control of local fire and rescue services, or other emergency services

b. for the TUC and its affiliates to work with trade unions in the emergency service sector to run a high-profile campaign in opposition to these government proposals

c. for the TUC and its affiliates to write to MPs, councillors and other representatives explaining our opposition and urging them to oppose the government’s proposals at all levels.

Mover: FBU

Seconder: GMB