Firefighters will NOT strike as they postpone action following increased pay offer

STRIKES by firefighters have been postponed after an increased pay offer from employers, it was confirmed today.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said it had been offered a seven per cent pay rise backdated to July 2022, followed by a five per cent bump from July this year.

Members had voted to walk out after arguing their pay had been slashed by at least 12 per cent in real terms since 2010.

They warned of industrial action if a previous five per cent pay offer was not increased.

The union's executive decided to put the new offer to a ballot of its members, and has postponed the announcement of strike dates pending the outcome.

The FBU said it will have an "honest and sober" discussion of the proposal, adding it still amounts to a pay cut given the rate of inflation.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: "This offer is testament to the power of collective action through the FBU.

"Last year we were offered an insulting two per cent.

"The employers have now revised their position.

"We have achieved this increase because of the massive vote in favour of strike action by firefighters and control staff across the country, which made clear the strength of feeling among firefighters about cuts to their wages."

He added: "Since 2010, the average firefighter has lost at least 12 per cent of the value of their pay.

"We will now ballot our members.

"Frontline firefighters and control room staff will make the decision on whether this pay offer is considered a real improvement.

"Our internal discussions will be honest and sober.