Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service staff to strike for eight consecutive days

Control room staff at Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) are to stage eight consecutive days of strike action this December.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) says the dispute centres around an imposed reduction in night-time staffing numbers and the introduction of a duty shift system that 'was never subject to negotiation with the Fire Brigades Union'.

The control room staff delivered 'an overwhelming mandate for strike action in August' and, following the ballot result, negotiations were ongoing between the union and Merseyside fire employers at the National Joint Council (NJC).

However, FBU members in Merseyside fire control voted overwhelmingly to reject an offer from employers last week and will strike for eight days from December 27.

The FBU says the strike action will 'seriously disrupt the fire and rescue service, both in Merseyside and across the UK'.

Ian Hibbert, Fire Brigades Union Brigade Secretary for Merseyside said: “Our members in fire control are the undisputed occupational experts, who are dealing with an employer that not only ignores that expertise, but seeks to rip up local agreements that protect control staff, firefighters and members of the public alike”. 

“Firefighters and control staff do not take industrial action lightly, but having exhausted every option with an employer who refuses to listen, we have been left with no other choice. The time has come for Merseyside Fire and Rescue service to listen to members in fire control, to listen to the Fire Brigades Union and to reach agreement on all issues.” 

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service response

A spokesperson for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said: "Over recent months the Service has been working with local and national Fire Brigades Union (FBU) officials; and directly with the staff in our Fire Control room on a proposed new duty system, one that meets their aspirations and the need to provide the public with a highly effective demand led service.

"We believed we had reached an agreement (in writing) with the FBU and are genuinely surprised by the decision to set strike dates, particularly as we have not been given any detailed explanation as to why our proposal, which reflects the ambitions of our control room team, has been rejected.

 "We are especially disappointed for our newer staff. Particularly as the Service’s proposal increased staffing numbers from 32 to 35 (including new managerial and training roles), introduced career progression opportunities, included a significant circa £7k pay rise for many and a hugely improved work-life balance for all. 

"The only area of contention was the change from 6 staff during the day shift and 6 staff of a night shift, to 7 in the day and 5 of a night. However, it is important to reiterate that this approach reflects the demands placed on the Service and the fact that we respond to twice as many calls during the day than we do at night. We also train and exercise significantly more during day than the night when the public and business are available.

"Strike action is not in anyone’s best interest, this action seeks only to defend historic and now outdated working practice, whilst limiting the opportunities for our staff to train against the risks we undoubtedly face. The initial changes have seen us deal with calls faster and become quicker at responding to the public.

"Given this, we ask the FBU and its members in control to reconsider their decision to strike, or at the very least explain why they are withdrawing their labour despite the clear benefits provided by the proposal. Notwithstanding the possible action which would be taken by some of our staff in our control room, the public can be reassured that the response from Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service to emergencies during the period will be unaffected.

"Our national resilience responsibilities will also be unaffected by any action. We remain open to explore ways to avoid this action with the Fire Brigades Union."