Press release Press release Press release Press release Press release
4 November 2005
The Ballot of The Fire Brigades Union members in the West Midlands closed today at
2 pm. This has resulted in an overwhelming majority of firefighters voting to take industrial action in support of their claim for compensation following the start of the new shift system in the West Midlands.
YES 861 76.6%
NO 263 23.4%
Turnout 68.1%
The compensation package was as a result of a decision made by an Independent National Arbitration Panel.
The Chair of the Panel, Professor Roy Lewis, recognised that there were three consequential issues arising from the introduction of the new shift system, they are:
1. The application of holiday arrangements arising from the new duty system.
2. Recompense for additional travelling expenses.
3. Compensation for finishing shifts at midnight.
With such an overwhelming yes vote for industrial action, the West Midlands Brigade Committee would again ask the Fire Authority to produce a realistic offer in order to settle this dispute and avert strike action.
Any decision to take strike action will not be taken lightly. Firefighters and Control Staff take the public’s safety very seriously however, the Fire Authority need to respond and address the anger expressed by the members in this vote for strike action.
dave bev
