FIREFIGHTERS must show the same collective solidarity in 2024’s pay negotiations as they did this year when they won a double-digit deal from employers, Fire Brigades Union (FBU) head Matt Wrack urged today.

He told delegates at the union’s 2023 conference in Blackpool that another show of “unity, discipline and union loyalty” is essential to ensure they get the wages and working conditions they deserve.

Firefighters were originally offered a massively below-inflation pay deal of just 2 per cent, but, following an overwhelming vote for national strike action, a much-improved deal of 7 per cent backdated to July 2022 and a further 5 per cent from this July was accepted. 

Speaking in the Imperial Hotel, Mr Wrack said the outcome is a “remarkable testament to the collective will and unity demonstrated throughout the campaign.”

The union leader urged members to use the annual meet-up to start planning for next year’s pay demands. 

To laughter and applause in the hall, he said: “I’ve heard rumours that chief officers are a bit disgruntled at this pay settlement – shame.

“I’ve heard that they feel they weren’t listened to – shame.

“They didn’t think the pay offer should have been as high as it was – shame.

“Our task is to make them feel even more upset for 2024, and that work starts now.”

Nottinghamshire member Steve Tucker praised members for “coming together and presenting a workforce united.”

His Hereford and Worcester colleague Neil Bevan echoed the calls and urged members to resist any attempt by Tory ministers to end collective bargaining across the sector and impose a supposedly independent pay review body. 

Scotland’s national fire service was formed in 2013, while England and Wales have local services overseen by councils.