Congress 2006 emergency motion 1
Congress 2006
E1 Attacks on fire cover and trade union organisation by Merseyside Fire Authority
Congress condemns the recent decisions of the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority to implement cuts which will lead to a reduction of 120 frontline jobs. Congress notes the dispute which has arisen as a result. The Fire Authority proposals include:
- i) introducing a 96-hour continuous shift at six fire stations;
- ii) imposing a new shift system in the emergency fire control centre which will result in 15 job losses; and
- iii) reducing night-time cover at four busy city centre fire stations.
Congress is concerned that this level of job reduction in an emergency service will place at risk both the public and the firefighters serving them.
Congress is alarmed at the anti-union stance which appears to have been taken by the Chief Fire Officer in Merseyside and by the Fire and Rescue Authority. This has included the removal of check-off arrangements; the removal of union notice boards and information from fire stations; and threats to the careers and promotion prospects of union members including new recruits.
Congress is further alarmed that the Fire and Rescue Authority have refused to allow any national assistance in the resolution of the dispute and procedure which is a normal and regular part of industrial relations in the fire service.
Congress urges all affiliates to provide whatever financial and moral support they can to FBU members in Merseyside. Congress further supports the call made by the Fire Brigades Union for an independent inquiry into industrial relations within the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.
Mover: Fire Brigades' Union
Seconder: National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers
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