The inflammatory comments made by Mr. Prescott that he intends to take over control of pay and conditions in the Fire Service have angered firefighters and emergency fire control staff and made them more determined than ever in this dispute.

As Andy Gilchrist, FBU General Secretary prepares to meet the TUC contact group this morning; he said:

“Yet again Mr. Prescott has succeeded in adding fuel to the fire dispute. Every time he steps in to this dispute he seems to entrench the position. He has personally stopped our employers’ making us an offer on 2 occasions. He has tied our employers’ hands so that they are unable to negotiate and now he is threatening to impose a settlement on our members’.

“The FBU has said all along we are willing to negotiate; it is not us that are refusing to enter talks at ACAS.”

The TUC contact group is meeting this morning to discuss the implications of Mr. Prescott’s threats, following which a delegation will be going to meet Mr. Prescott himself.

Andy Gilchrist went on to say:

“Mr. Prescott needs to understand the only way this dispute will be resolved is by a negotiated settlement. Our members’ have made it clear that they will not accept an imposed settlement. It is now time for Mr. Prescott to allow the employers’ to get back round the table with the clear authority to negotiate.”

Note:

The next strike commences at 09.00 hours on Saturday 1st February until 09.00 hours Monday 3rd February (48 hours).

For further information contact

Duncan Milligan Mobile: 07736 818100

Geoff Ellis – National Officer
Mobile: 07740 403240
Office: 020 8541 1765