FIREFIGHTERS taking strike action is a “very serious proposition”, the leader of the union in Scotland has said.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) this week rejected a 2% pay increase, which the union’s Scottish secretary described as “insulting”.
John McKenzie has highlighted the work of fire crews in tackling the recent hot weather, with temperatures rising to a record 34.8C in the Scottish Borders on Tuesday.
“Firefighters are at the forefront of the climate emergency. The last few days have brought to the public’s attention the dangers we face day in day out,” he said.
READ MORE: ScotRail: Full timetable returns as heatwave causes disruption
“We will not accept a paltry pay offer of 2% when the cost of food, fuel, energy and almost everything else is soaring.
“Firefighters have never taken industrial action lightly but such is the level of anger at this insulting offer, industrial action is now a very serious proposition.
“The employers need to come back with a genuine and fair pay offer that recognises the financial pressures our members face.”
Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, has said that members will consider all options, including strike action.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here