Firefighters and control staff in Scotland are being balloted over whether to accept a pay offer in an ongoing dispute.
It comes after a 5% pay offer was made to the workforce, which union leaders have recommended members reject.
Pay for firefighters is negotiated through UK-wide collective bargaining arrangements, which includes the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) as the employer.
The Scottish Government does not take part in those arrangements.
A demonstration was held outside of the Scottish Parliament last week as workers called for an improved offer to be made.
The Fire Brigade Union (FBU) claims that firefighters and control room staff have seen their pay cut by over £4,000 in real terms.
Matt Wrack, the union’s general secretary, said that members had “had enough”.
“We are a democratic union led by our members. It is firefighters and control staff who will decide any action that the union takes on pay,” he said.
“Firefighters have been treated appallingly by their employers and by the Government over the last decade.
“Pay is down by nearly £4,000 in real-terms and that is why the union’s executive council is recommending that members reject this latest offer.
“Our members worked throughout the pandemic to help protect their communities.
“They delivered food, moved the bodies of the dead and delivered other vital extra duties.
“To try and thank them with a massive real-terms pay cut is absolutely disgusting.
“Our members have had enough.”
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