News
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LANDMARK VICTORY FOR THE FBU
THE FIRE BRIGADES UNION For immediate release: 17TH May 2013 LANDMARK VICTORY FOR THE FBU On the 1st March 2012 the Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service closed its emergency control room based in Newport and transferred this vital emergency function to Surrey Fire & Rescue Service based in Reigate. The staff of both services were protected by TUPE Regulations. This legislation provides staff with a number of protections which both the IOW & Surrey Fire & Rescue Services admit that they failed to comply with. They now have 28 days to pay the union £83,000 FBU Regional Secretary Ricky Matthews said “Fire & Rescue Management teams should never under estimate…
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Effective political lobbying
Effective political lobbying Surgeries It’s not only doctors who have surgeries, politicians have them as well. It’s when they invite constituents in to chat with them about their concerns and issues. Most MPs and local councillors hold regular surgeries and advertise them on local council websites; you will also be able to find information in your local library. Many local politicians are now using regular “walkabout” surgeries in an area where they will have leafleted giving notice beforehand. Some politicians prefer you to make an appointment, others see people on a first come first served basis – it would be worth checking with their office first if it’s not clear on the website….
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2012 – FURTHER YOUGOV ONLINE SURVEY – FBU MEMBERS’ ATTITUDE TO PENSION CHANGES
URGENT: ONLY TEN DAYS REMAINING Dear Brother/Sister, 2012 – FURTHER YOUGOV ONLINE SURVEY – FBU MEMBERS’ ATTITUDE TO PENSION CHANGES What is the purpose of this survey? In May 2011 the FBU commissioned YouGov to run an online survey to gather evidence from FBU members about their attitude to the Government’s proposed changes to the firefighters’ pension schemes. The results of this survey provided the union with a great deal of evidence, which has been used to challenge the government over their proposals. In April 2012 the government imposed an employee contribution increase (which represented 50% of their initial proposal) and agreed that they would review the effects of the first year contribution…
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Lobby of Parliament – 7 November: Stop the cuts in our fire service
You will be aware of the FBU’s ongoing campaign against the cuts agenda that is being driven by the coalition government. Up and down the country Fire Services are planning very significant cuts which mean job losses, station closures and the loss of fire engines. As you are well aware these cuts will put the safety of the public and of firefighters at greater risk. In addition, underfunding of the Service by Central Government means that our pay and our pensions continue to be attacked. In the latest of several initiatives the Union has organised a rally followed by a lobby of MP’s in Parliament. The details are as follows: Date:…
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March to defend Firefighter Pensions, Pay & Jobs
On 20 October, the TUC has called a mass demonstration in London against the coalition government’s austerity measures. Firefighters will join hundreds of thousands of other workers marching for our future. Ricky Matthews, FBU Regional Secretary said: “FBU Members will recall last years TUC demo on March 26th, when firefighters from every Brigade in the region turned out in their 100′s helping to make it the largest demonstration by workers in a generation. Make sure your branch is represented this October. Make sure the FBU continues to punch above its weight. Make sure the politicians know we will not lie down and accept cuts to our pensions, pay or jobs. MAKE SURE YOU’RE THERE“ Matt…
Region
2012 – FURTHER YOUGOV ONLINE SURVEY – FBU MEMBERS’ ATTITUDE TO PENSION CHANGES
URGENT: ONLY TEN DAYS REMAINING Dear Brother/Sister, 2012 – FURTHER YOUGOV ONLINE SURVEY – FBU MEMBERS’ ATTITUDE TO PENSION CHANGES What is the purpose of this survey? In May 2011 the FBU commissioned YouGov to run an online survey to gather evidence from FBU members about their attitude to the Government’s proposed changes to the firefighters’ pension schemes. The results of this survey provided the union with a great deal of evidence, which has been used to challenge the government over their proposals. In April 2012 the government imposed an employee contribution increase (which represented 50% of their initial proposal) and agreed that they would review the effects of the first year contribution…
MK PSC is pleased to host an evening talk and discussion “Why is there a Palestine Solidarity Campaign?”
Milton Keynes PSC is pleased to host an evening talk and discussion “Why is there a Palestine Solidarity Campaign?” With Betty Hunter Honorary President and former General Secretary of the PSC Tuesday 6th November 7.30 – 9.30pm At Centrecom*, Central Milton Keynes Doors open at 7.20 pm for a 7.40 pm start All members, supporters and friends of MKPSC are invited Please bring friends and family members Free refreshments will be served on arrival There will be stalls selling Pal foodstuffs, craft items and Christmas cards An ideal opportunity to buy lovely Christmas gifts from Palestine For more information please email: miltonkeynespsc@gmail.com *North Row, Central Milton Keynes. North Row runs behind the…
MILTON KEYNES PALESTINE SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN
5th November 2012 ALL MEMBERS Fire Brigades Union Affiliation to Palestine Solidarity Campaign As you may be aware from past editions of ‘Firefighter’ magazine, the Fire Brigades Union is affiliated nationally to the Palestine Solidarity Campaign. The purpose of the PSC is to raise awareness of the ongoing situation in the occupied territories and campaign for justice for the Palestinian people. In May 2012 a local branch of PSC was established in Milton Keynes to which the region has recently affiliated. Could you please post the enclosed paper to FBU notice boards to ensure all FBU members are aware of its existence and have the opportunity to become involved with…
Lobby of Parliament – 7 November: Stop the cuts in our fire service
You will be aware of the FBU’s ongoing campaign against the cuts agenda that is being driven by the coalition government. Up and down the country Fire Services are planning very significant cuts which mean job losses, station closures and the loss of fire engines. As you are well aware these cuts will put the safety of the public and of firefighters at greater risk. In addition, underfunding of the Service by Central Government means that our pay and our pensions continue to be attacked. In the latest of several initiatives the Union has organised a rally followed by a lobby of MP’s in Parliament. The details are as follows: Date:…
March to defend Firefighter Pensions, Pay & Jobs
On 20 October, the TUC has called a mass demonstration in London against the coalition government’s austerity measures. Firefighters will join hundreds of thousands of other workers marching for our future. Ricky Matthews, FBU Regional Secretary said: “FBU Members will recall last years TUC demo on March 26th, when firefighters from every Brigade in the region turned out in their 100′s helping to make it the largest demonstration by workers in a generation. Make sure your branch is represented this October. Make sure the FBU continues to punch above its weight. Make sure the politicians know we will not lie down and accept cuts to our pensions, pay or jobs. MAKE SURE YOU’RE THERE“ Matt…
FBU mass demonstration October 20th 2012
WHY WE’RE MARCHING Austerity isn’t working Our country faces long-term economic problems. But our political leaders have failed to face up to them. For the next five years or more, unless policies change the economy will not grow, incomes will not rise, and there will be almost no new jobs. If the government keeps on with big spending cuts and austerity we face a lost decade. Even on their own terms government policies are failing. To close the deficit we need a healthy growing economy that generates tax income. But austerity has led to a vicious circle of decline. Instead of just letting the banks go back to business and bonuses as usual, we…
Members Circulars
LANDMARK VICTORY FOR THE FBU
THE FIRE BRIGADES UNION For immediate release: 17TH May 2013 LANDMARK VICTORY FOR THE FBU On the 1st March 2012 the Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service closed its emergency control room based in Newport and transferred this vital emergency function to Surrey Fire & Rescue Service based in Reigate. The staff of both services were protected by TUPE Regulations. This legislation provides staff with a number of protections which both the IOW & Surrey Fire & Rescue Services admit that they failed to comply with. They now have 28 days to pay the union £83,000 FBU Regional Secretary Ricky Matthews said “Fire & Rescue Management teams should never under estimate…
2012 – FURTHER YOUGOV ONLINE SURVEY – FBU MEMBERS’ ATTITUDE TO PENSION CHANGES
URGENT: ONLY TEN DAYS REMAINING Dear Brother/Sister, 2012 – FURTHER YOUGOV ONLINE SURVEY – FBU MEMBERS’ ATTITUDE TO PENSION CHANGES What is the purpose of this survey? In May 2011 the FBU commissioned YouGov to run an online survey to gather evidence from FBU members about their attitude to the Government’s proposed changes to the firefighters’ pension schemes. The results of this survey provided the union with a great deal of evidence, which has been used to challenge the government over their proposals. In April 2012 the government imposed an employee contribution increase (which represented 50% of their initial proposal) and agreed that they would review the effects of the first year contribution…
Lobby of Parliament – 7 November: Stop the cuts in our fire service
You will be aware of the FBU’s ongoing campaign against the cuts agenda that is being driven by the coalition government. Up and down the country Fire Services are planning very significant cuts which mean job losses, station closures and the loss of fire engines. As you are well aware these cuts will put the safety of the public and of firefighters at greater risk. In addition, underfunding of the Service by Central Government means that our pay and our pensions continue to be attacked. In the latest of several initiatives the Union has organised a rally followed by a lobby of MP’s in Parliament. The details are as follows: Date:…
Press Releases
LANDMARK VICTORY FOR THE FBU
THE FIRE BRIGADES UNION For immediate release: 17TH May 2013 LANDMARK VICTORY FOR THE FBU On the 1st March 2012 the Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service closed its emergency control room based in Newport and transferred this vital emergency function to Surrey Fire & Rescue Service based in Reigate. The staff of both services were protected by TUPE Regulations. This legislation provides staff with a number of protections which both the IOW & Surrey Fire & Rescue Services admit that they failed to comply with. They now have 28 days to pay the union £83,000 FBU Regional Secretary Ricky Matthews said “Fire & Rescue Management teams should never under estimate…
Lobby of Parliament – 7 November: Stop the cuts in our fire service
You will be aware of the FBU’s ongoing campaign against the cuts agenda that is being driven by the coalition government. Up and down the country Fire Services are planning very significant cuts which mean job losses, station closures and the loss of fire engines. As you are well aware these cuts will put the safety of the public and of firefighters at greater risk. In addition, underfunding of the Service by Central Government means that our pay and our pensions continue to be attacked. In the latest of several initiatives the Union has organised a rally followed by a lobby of MP’s in Parliament. The details are as follows: Date:…
March to defend Firefighter Pensions, Pay & Jobs
On 20 October, the TUC has called a mass demonstration in London against the coalition government’s austerity measures. Firefighters will join hundreds of thousands of other workers marching for our future. Ricky Matthews, FBU Regional Secretary said: “FBU Members will recall last years TUC demo on March 26th, when firefighters from every Brigade in the region turned out in their 100′s helping to make it the largest demonstration by workers in a generation. Make sure your branch is represented this October. Make sure the FBU continues to punch above its weight. Make sure the politicians know we will not lie down and accept cuts to our pensions, pay or jobs. MAKE SURE YOU’RE THERE“ Matt…
Fire Authority Fail Berkshire Residents
Fire Authority Fail Berkshire Residents The Fire Brigades Union inBerkshire has strongly condemned the decision taken by Royal Berkshire Fire Authority (RBFA) to accept the Governments ‘one off’ Council Tax Freeze Grant rather than increase the council tax precept. At its Budget setting meeting on 15th February 2012 members of the Fire Authority voted in favour of accepting the Council Tax Freeze Grant instead of opting for a modest increase of just 3.5% to its share of the council tax. That rise would have equated to just £1.95 for a band D household and given Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) a stable financial footing for the future. Without this…
FBU SAYS PENSIONS PROPOSALS ARE “UNACCEPTABLE”, MOVE TO CONSULT FIRE CREWS AND RECOMMEND RAPID MOVE TO PREPARE A NATIONAL STRIKE BALLOT
FIRE BRIGADES UNION Immediate release 9 February FBU SAYS PENSIONS PROPOSALS ARE “UNACCEPTABLE”, MOVE TO CONSULT FIRE CREWS AND RECOMMEND RAPID MOVE TO PREPARE A NATIONAL STRIKE BALLOT The Fire Brigades Union says the Government’s pension proposals are unacceptable and are consulting fire crews with a recommendation there is a rapid move to prepare a strike ballot. The union says it is committed to further dialogue and called on Government to address the issues raised and evidence provided by the union rather than ignoring them. The proposals are unacceptable in that they include: Unaffordable and unfair contribution rates A totally unrealistic retirement age for firefighters (60) An unsustainable scheme for the fire service. Contribution rates…
