Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority says it has reached “the very limits of what is affordable” in pay offers to firefighters as its union voted in favour of industrial action.
It was confirmed on Monday by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) that its members had voted overwhelmingly in favour of taking strike action in response to increasing concerns over pay. The FBU has said it will give the government and employers 10 days to come forward with what it calls an “improved offer” to put to its members before a walk out would take place.
Responding to the potential strike action, a Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority spokesperson said in a statement Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan and the authority itself had “consistently opposed cuts to the fire and rescue service over many years.” The spokesperson said: “The authority and Chief Garrigan have repeatedly made representation to the government to demonstrate that they do not agree with the way firefighter pay is negotiated having seen firefighter and control room staff pay fall below inflation in recent years.
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“This is a position shared by every member of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority who have reached the very limits of what is affordable in prior pay offers. However, they have done so in recognition of the rising inflation and increase in the cost of living on their employees."
The spokesperson added Chief Officer Garrigan asked the Suella Braverman MP, the Home Secretary, and successive Fire Ministers to support the fire and rescue service, as finding the money from an already stretched budget “would have a direct impact on the response we could provide to our communities.”
Chief Officer Garrigan has lobbied further government departments in the hope that the authority can protect its future grant settlement and that it can be afforded the same flexibilities as those witnessed elsewhere in the public sector with regards to council tax, the statement said. The chief fire officer has also met with Merseyside’s MPs to discuss the situation.
The statement added: “The value the Chief places on his teams has been evident throughout this period and while we are increasingly concerned, we are still hopeful that a strike can still be avoided if an acceptable pay offer is received, however this is now reliant on national discussions.”
The spokesperson said should strike action occur “the public should be reassured that Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service has robust resilience plans in place to ensure effective fire cover across Merseyside so any disruption will be minimal. The Authority and the Chief will continue to use their influence to influence the discussions and in doing so avert any strike.
“Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority stands with local leaders in pushing for a better deal for firefighters, control room staff and ultimately our community.”
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