Firefighters set to strike for first time since 2003 after real-terms earnings 'drop by 12%'
Mon, 30 January 2023
Firefighters are set to stage strike action in a row over pay after experiencing what they say is a cut in real-terms pay.
Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) voted for action in a ballot that closed on Monday - resulting in the UK's first nationwide fire service strike over pay since 2003.
Firefighters overwhelmingly backed strike action, with 88% voting yes on a 73% turnout.
The FBU said it has given the government and employers 10 days to to come up with an improved offer which could be put to a vote of members in an effort to avoid strikes.
Firefighters have experienced a 12% drop in real-terms earnings since 2010, the union says, while around one in five firefighter jobs have been cut in the same period.
It comes after members rejected a below-inflation 5% payoff in November.
Polling previously showed strong public support for strike action by firefighters, the union said, with around three in five people backing action.
FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: "This is an absolute last resort for our members. The responsibility for any disruption to services lies squarely with fire service employers and government ministers.
"Rishi Sunak's government has refused to make funding available for a decent pay offer to firefighters and control staff.
"Firefighters were among Britain's COVID heroes who kept frontline services going during the pandemic. The Prime Minister has badly misjudged the public mood by imposing pay cuts on key workers."
Read more:
Fresh wave of strikes this year- who is taking action and when
Teachers' strike to go ahead after talks fail
Mr Wrack also also said firefighters have faced a "sustained attack on pay for more than a decade with average pay falling by about £4,000 in real terms".
He continued: "Our members face hazardous situations every day and sometimes risk their health to do the job.
"Facing double-digit inflation and rocketing energy bills, they are now being told to put up with an even bigger real-terms pay cut."
Mr Wrack said: "Meanwhile, the UK is home to a record number of billionaires. People join the fire service because they want to help people and serve their community.
"We have been pushed to the point of balloting by a government that is refusing to listen."
The strike announcement comes after research by the FBU and the University of Central Lancashire found firefighters are more likely to die of cancer than the general public.
The firefighters strike action was announced shortly after teachers said they will walk out on Wednesday with more industrial action planned in the following weeks.
The National Education Union has announced seven days of strikes in England and Wales in February and March, with the walkout on Wednesday expected to affect over 23,000 schools.
Essex unionists to down tools on 'biggest national strike day for a generation'
George King
Sun, 29 January 2023
READ MORE: Burnt-out Colchester nurses say they 'saw colleagues crying in cupboards'
As long-serving Colchester Hospital nurse Anna Swan, 64, put it: “This is more than about the money. I love the NHS and it matters so much to me.
“But it I am very frightened for the NHS - it is crumbling around us.”
Although an increase in wages is of course one of the main demands being tabled by many of the unionists striking in February, the action is also about much, much more.
As many as 100,000 civil servants across 124 Government departments, for example, are also demanding their pensions and the future of their jobs be protected.
Workers at the University of Essex, which has a campus in Colchester, are also being encouraged to down tools over pension cuts and conditions, as well as wages.
Jo Grady, general secretary of the UCU, said: "Students understand that staff working conditions are their learning conditions and we are proud to have their support in these disputes.
"A system that relies on low pay and the rampant use of insecure contracts is a system which fails everyone."
The news of the strikes has caused some concern among students, but bosses at the educational facility have moved to reassure them.
A spokesman for the University of Essex said: “We are aware that news of further industrial action may cause alarm to some students.
“We want to reassure you the university will do everything we can to ensure any disruption affects you as little as possible.
“We understand any uncertainty can cause worry. We want to remind you that our wellbeing services are available if you need them.”
Disruption to students in schools is also expected, as teachers in Essex who are part of the National Education Union prepare to stage mass walkouts on February 1.
The teachers are striking for a 12 per cent pay increase, a move which has been described as “deeply disappointing” by the Government. But not everyone agrees.
Colchester resident Christine Green said: “I am backing everyone who goes on strike for fair pay and conditions.
“This country is an absolute joke and everyone is going to suffer in the long run if people don't stand up for their rights.
“What a sad world we live in when we cannot all come together for each other.”
Gazette:
Greater Anglia train drivers who are part of the ASLEF union will also go on strike on February 1, as well as RMT members.
Both unions are asking for a pay rise, but the latter has also raised concerns over job security and compulsory redundancies.
Mick Lynch, RMT general secretary said: "This round of strikes will show how important our members are to this country and will send a clear message.
"We have been reasonable, but it is impossible to find a negotiated settlement when the dead hand of Government is presiding over these talks.
“Working people across our class need a pay rise and we are determined to win that for our members in RMT."
As a result of the demonstrations, Greater Anglia services will be affected and passengers are being advised to avoid travelling where possible.
Trains will still run – albeit less frequently - between Colchester and London Liverpool Street, but there will be no services departing stations in the likes of Clacton.
Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director said: “We are very sorry that once again our customers will be disrupted by strikes.
“We’re only able to run a fraction of our usual services, so our advice again is to avoid using our trains on strike days.
“The rail industry is working hard to resolve these disputes and talks will continue with ASLEF and RMT to reach an agreement.”
George King
Sun, 29 January 2023
(Image: Newsquest)
THE biggest national strike day for a generation will see everyone from teachers and civil servants to train drivers and university employees down tools on February 1.
But what has inspired these mass walk-outs and to what extent will the demonstrations impact commuters, students and residents in Essex?
When I ventured to the picket line outside Colchester Hospital, where nurses were taking part in two days of strike action, their demand for more pay took a back seat.
Those wielding placards and chanting “Save the NHS” were just as concerned about patient safety and working conditions, for example, as they were their own needs.
THE biggest national strike day for a generation will see everyone from teachers and civil servants to train drivers and university employees down tools on February 1.
But what has inspired these mass walk-outs and to what extent will the demonstrations impact commuters, students and residents in Essex?
When I ventured to the picket line outside Colchester Hospital, where nurses were taking part in two days of strike action, their demand for more pay took a back seat.
Those wielding placards and chanting “Save the NHS” were just as concerned about patient safety and working conditions, for example, as they were their own needs.
READ MORE: Burnt-out Colchester nurses say they 'saw colleagues crying in cupboards'
As long-serving Colchester Hospital nurse Anna Swan, 64, put it: “This is more than about the money. I love the NHS and it matters so much to me.
“But it I am very frightened for the NHS - it is crumbling around us.”
Although an increase in wages is of course one of the main demands being tabled by many of the unionists striking in February, the action is also about much, much more.
As many as 100,000 civil servants across 124 Government departments, for example, are also demanding their pensions and the future of their jobs be protected.
Workers at the University of Essex, which has a campus in Colchester, are also being encouraged to down tools over pension cuts and conditions, as well as wages.
Jo Grady, general secretary of the UCU, said: "Students understand that staff working conditions are their learning conditions and we are proud to have their support in these disputes.
"A system that relies on low pay and the rampant use of insecure contracts is a system which fails everyone."
The news of the strikes has caused some concern among students, but bosses at the educational facility have moved to reassure them.
A spokesman for the University of Essex said: “We are aware that news of further industrial action may cause alarm to some students.
“We want to reassure you the university will do everything we can to ensure any disruption affects you as little as possible.
“We understand any uncertainty can cause worry. We want to remind you that our wellbeing services are available if you need them.”
Disruption to students in schools is also expected, as teachers in Essex who are part of the National Education Union prepare to stage mass walkouts on February 1.
The teachers are striking for a 12 per cent pay increase, a move which has been described as “deeply disappointing” by the Government. But not everyone agrees.
Colchester resident Christine Green said: “I am backing everyone who goes on strike for fair pay and conditions.
“This country is an absolute joke and everyone is going to suffer in the long run if people don't stand up for their rights.
“What a sad world we live in when we cannot all come together for each other.”
Gazette:
Greater Anglia train drivers who are part of the ASLEF union will also go on strike on February 1, as well as RMT members.
Both unions are asking for a pay rise, but the latter has also raised concerns over job security and compulsory redundancies.
Mick Lynch, RMT general secretary said: "This round of strikes will show how important our members are to this country and will send a clear message.
"We have been reasonable, but it is impossible to find a negotiated settlement when the dead hand of Government is presiding over these talks.
“Working people across our class need a pay rise and we are determined to win that for our members in RMT."
As a result of the demonstrations, Greater Anglia services will be affected and passengers are being advised to avoid travelling where possible.
Trains will still run – albeit less frequently - between Colchester and London Liverpool Street, but there will be no services departing stations in the likes of Clacton.
Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director said: “We are very sorry that once again our customers will be disrupted by strikes.
“We’re only able to run a fraction of our usual services, so our advice again is to avoid using our trains on strike days.
“The rail industry is working hard to resolve these disputes and talks will continue with ASLEF and RMT to reach an agreement.”
The strikes of London: what you need to know-
aleeha adnan burntwood
Sun, 29 January 2023
For the last couple of months, the uk has been overrun with industrial striking action from several crutial job industries, such as paramedics, nurses, emergency services, tfl, and most recently, teaching staff. As the cost of living goes up, the wages stay the same, leaving people with no choice but to strike to get the attention of the government.
On february 1 alone, more than 100,000 civil servants will be going on strike and 70,000 NEU members and train drivers will walk out: its the largest action yet. Throughout february, there will be several major industrial strike actions, even including emergency workers like the ambulance services and health and social care workers. The aim of their striking is to get a pay rise that supports this day and age's economy and, due to the cost of living crisis, is essential.
Due to NEU members going on strike, this will affect school across the country, most set to close for the day. Whilst most people can see why most workers are striking for a pay rise, some are harsh in their opinions, saying that it causes too many disruptions to the education of young people, as they are left without school. Some also think that the emergency staff striking is dangerous, as people could unintentionaly get hurt in the process. Others however, are understandable and agree with the people who are striking that because of the cost of living, the government needs to step up.
It is also worth mentioning that the tfl workers have not recived a pay rise from 2021-2023, and scince 2015 all annual pay awards have been between 1%-2%, which is partly the reason why there have been so many tfl and rail/train strikes in the last month. More industrial action is planned for the month of february and even going through to march, and it looks like it wont stop until the government steps up.
To ensure you have a day with the least disruptions, please search up what strikes will go ahead on the dates you are out.
Sun, 29 January 2023
For the last couple of months, the uk has been overrun with industrial striking action from several crutial job industries, such as paramedics, nurses, emergency services, tfl, and most recently, teaching staff. As the cost of living goes up, the wages stay the same, leaving people with no choice but to strike to get the attention of the government.
On february 1 alone, more than 100,000 civil servants will be going on strike and 70,000 NEU members and train drivers will walk out: its the largest action yet. Throughout february, there will be several major industrial strike actions, even including emergency workers like the ambulance services and health and social care workers. The aim of their striking is to get a pay rise that supports this day and age's economy and, due to the cost of living crisis, is essential.
Due to NEU members going on strike, this will affect school across the country, most set to close for the day. Whilst most people can see why most workers are striking for a pay rise, some are harsh in their opinions, saying that it causes too many disruptions to the education of young people, as they are left without school. Some also think that the emergency staff striking is dangerous, as people could unintentionaly get hurt in the process. Others however, are understandable and agree with the people who are striking that because of the cost of living, the government needs to step up.
It is also worth mentioning that the tfl workers have not recived a pay rise from 2021-2023, and scince 2015 all annual pay awards have been between 1%-2%, which is partly the reason why there have been so many tfl and rail/train strikes in the last month. More industrial action is planned for the month of february and even going through to march, and it looks like it wont stop until the government steps up.
To ensure you have a day with the least disruptions, please search up what strikes will go ahead on the dates you are out.
Labour will fight laws designed to keep schools open during teacher strikes
Ewan Somerville
Sun, 29 January 2023
Labour will launch an attack on Monday on new laws to keep schools open during strikes, as teacher walkouts bring chaos this week.
Some 100,000 teachers in the National Education Union are planning to strike on Wednesday, affecting 23,000 schools, demanding above-inflation pay rises funded by the Treasury.
Headteachers are racing to bring in contingency plans, including “giant classes” to keep children in class and a shift to Covid-era online learning.
But Labour is making a fresh attempt to block a new law introduced by ministers, currently in Parliament, which would keep schools open during strikes by introducing legally-required minimum service levels across six key public sectors, including education.
Labour will table an amendment this week in a bid to force Grant Shapps, the Business Secretary, to undertake a comprehensive impact assessment on the proposals, including on workforce numbers, employers and equality law.
Angela Rayner, Labour’s deputy leader, said the law is “collapsing around the ears” of Mr Shapps, and vowed to “force them to go back to the drawing board with this dog’s dinner of a Bill”.
The intervention will raise further fears among parents and education leaders fearful that the strike - one of seven days of action by the hard-Left NEU in February and March - will be disastrous for teenagers.
In one sign of the emergency plans being drawn up, Ashton Community Science College, an 865-pupil secondary school near Preston in Lancashire, is preparing giant lessons, with up to three classes merged to be taught by a teacher.
Meanwhile, the Department for Education (DfE) has published new remote learning guidance urging schools to audit access to digital devices and help families with their internet connectivity to pivot to online classes.
Even for those teachers not striking, the union Unison, which represents 200,000 support staff, said its members “should not be expected to provide cover for, or take classes, where this would normally be done by teachers who are taking action”.
The impact could also trickle down to nursery closures, with staff needing to home-school their own children.
Neil Leitch, the chief executive at the Early Years Alliance, said: “This may well result in early educators needing to stay home on strike days, which in turn may force some early years settings to limit the number of children at their setting, or even temporarily close, to cope with this.
“As such, it is vital that those schools remaining open for critical workers ensure that those working in early years settings are included in this. This will help ensure that the care and education of our very youngest children is as unaffected as possible during this time.”
Last-ditch talks will be held on Monday between Gillian Keegan, the Education Secretary, and union leaders though Dr Mary Bousted, the NEU’s leader, said they were unlikely to stop the strike.
Ms Keegan has appealed to NEU members to inform schools whether they intend to strike or not, amid fears of “additional and unnecessary disruption” because schools close out of precaution.
Us For Them, a group of parents, warned that Year 11 pupils taking their GCSE exams this summer would be particularly hard hit, having lost at least 111 days of schooling during Covid lockdowns.
“A few days more days off school here and there may appear innocuous, but we are not in a normal educational environment - the repeated school closures have meant that one in four children is now persistently absent from school,” Arabella Skinner, from the group, said.
“On the back of lockdowns, youth mental health diagnoses have skyrocketed. The unions are making a cost of living argument that they partly caused, by being instrumental in forcing schools to shut during Covid.
“By closing schools yet again, we are telling our children that education is optional and that adults will always put their interests above children’s.”
Leora Cruddas, the chief executive of the Confederation of Schools Trust which represents academies, said that support staff and members of the NASUWT union who are not on strike “can’t be compelled” to cover for their striking colleagues and “that is a position that is protected”.
A Department for Education spokesman said: “Strike action is highly damaging to children’s education, particularly following the disruption that children have experienced over the past two years.
“As part of our ongoing support to school leaders to do everything they can to keep as many children in school as possible, we have requested information from schools to help inform this work.”
Ewan Somerville
Sun, 29 January 2023
Labour will launch an attack on Monday on new laws to keep schools open during strikes, as teacher walkouts bring chaos this week.
Some 100,000 teachers in the National Education Union are planning to strike on Wednesday, affecting 23,000 schools, demanding above-inflation pay rises funded by the Treasury.
Headteachers are racing to bring in contingency plans, including “giant classes” to keep children in class and a shift to Covid-era online learning.
But Labour is making a fresh attempt to block a new law introduced by ministers, currently in Parliament, which would keep schools open during strikes by introducing legally-required minimum service levels across six key public sectors, including education.
Labour will table an amendment this week in a bid to force Grant Shapps, the Business Secretary, to undertake a comprehensive impact assessment on the proposals, including on workforce numbers, employers and equality law.
Angela Rayner, Labour’s deputy leader, said the law is “collapsing around the ears” of Mr Shapps, and vowed to “force them to go back to the drawing board with this dog’s dinner of a Bill”.
The intervention will raise further fears among parents and education leaders fearful that the strike - one of seven days of action by the hard-Left NEU in February and March - will be disastrous for teenagers.
In one sign of the emergency plans being drawn up, Ashton Community Science College, an 865-pupil secondary school near Preston in Lancashire, is preparing giant lessons, with up to three classes merged to be taught by a teacher.
Meanwhile, the Department for Education (DfE) has published new remote learning guidance urging schools to audit access to digital devices and help families with their internet connectivity to pivot to online classes.
Even for those teachers not striking, the union Unison, which represents 200,000 support staff, said its members “should not be expected to provide cover for, or take classes, where this would normally be done by teachers who are taking action”.
The impact could also trickle down to nursery closures, with staff needing to home-school their own children.
Neil Leitch, the chief executive at the Early Years Alliance, said: “This may well result in early educators needing to stay home on strike days, which in turn may force some early years settings to limit the number of children at their setting, or even temporarily close, to cope with this.
“As such, it is vital that those schools remaining open for critical workers ensure that those working in early years settings are included in this. This will help ensure that the care and education of our very youngest children is as unaffected as possible during this time.”
Last-ditch talks will be held on Monday between Gillian Keegan, the Education Secretary, and union leaders though Dr Mary Bousted, the NEU’s leader, said they were unlikely to stop the strike.
Ms Keegan has appealed to NEU members to inform schools whether they intend to strike or not, amid fears of “additional and unnecessary disruption” because schools close out of precaution.
Us For Them, a group of parents, warned that Year 11 pupils taking their GCSE exams this summer would be particularly hard hit, having lost at least 111 days of schooling during Covid lockdowns.
“A few days more days off school here and there may appear innocuous, but we are not in a normal educational environment - the repeated school closures have meant that one in four children is now persistently absent from school,” Arabella Skinner, from the group, said.
“On the back of lockdowns, youth mental health diagnoses have skyrocketed. The unions are making a cost of living argument that they partly caused, by being instrumental in forcing schools to shut during Covid.
“By closing schools yet again, we are telling our children that education is optional and that adults will always put their interests above children’s.”
Leora Cruddas, the chief executive of the Confederation of Schools Trust which represents academies, said that support staff and members of the NASUWT union who are not on strike “can’t be compelled” to cover for their striking colleagues and “that is a position that is protected”.
A Department for Education spokesman said: “Strike action is highly damaging to children’s education, particularly following the disruption that children have experienced over the past two years.
“As part of our ongoing support to school leaders to do everything they can to keep as many children in school as possible, we have requested information from schools to help inform this work.”
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