Firefighters in Scotland postpone strikes after increased pay offer made, FBU announces

Strikes by firefighters in Scotland have been postponed after an increased pay offer was made, it was announced on Thursday.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said it had been offered a 7% pay rise backdated to July 2022, and then 5% from July this year.

The union had warned of strikes if a previous 5% pay offer was not increased following a huge vote in favour of industrial action.

The new offer will be put to a ballot of the union’s members, while the announcement of strike dates has been postponed pending the outcome, the union’s executive said.

The FBU said it will have an “honest and sober” discussion of the offer, adding it still amounts to a real-terms pay cut given the rate of inflation.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “This offer is testament to the power of collective action through the Fire Brigades Union.

“Last year we were offered an insulting 2%.

“The employers have now revised their position.

“We have achieved this increase because of the massive vote in favour of strike action by firefighters and control staff across the country, which made clear the strength of feeling among firefighters about cuts to their wages.

“Since 2010, the average firefighter has lost at least 12% of the value of their pay.

“We will now ballot our members.

“Frontline firefighters and control room staff will make the decision on whether this pay offer is considered a real improvement.

“Our internal discussions will be honest and sober.

“While the offer is improved from last year, it still amounts to a real-terms pay cut.

“Meanwhile, plans to announce a series of strike dates and industrial action will be postponed, pending the outcome of the ballot.”