The magazine of the Fire Brigades Union > www.fbu.org.uk November/December 2014

STOPPENSIONS: PRESS CALLED FOUR DAY STRIKE GENERAL SECRETARY’S COMMENT Matt Wrack Government robbery continues – four day strike called

Pensions “My goal is clear: to get the best deal possible for firefighters and resolve this dispute.” Those were the words about the pensions dispute that Penny Mordaunt, the Westminster fire minister, wrote to all firefighters in August. The FBU negotiations team was told that the minister Matt Wrack joins Ring of Fire campaigners in Watford was speaking to others in government to see what could of strike action. We are also and on our conditions. certainly allowed us to bring be done to resolve this dispute. preparing the next round of our During the run-up to the our message to new audiences The Department for political and legal challenges to next general election in May – as can be seen from the Communities and Local these attacks. 2015 trade unionists will no numbers who viewed Russell Government negotiators asked We need to stand strong doubt face this kind of political Brand’s online report. the FBU to provide drafts for and stand united. Please follow and media onslaught as our If you weren’t able to make pension regulations which they developments and ensure opponents try to create the any of the events there’s a said they were now considering you support the campaign on circumstances for yet another chance to catch up with the from a legal point of view. picket lines or in our political round of attacks on the rights action on pages 10–13. However, at our most recent campaigning. of workers and of trade unions. meeting with the minister, TTIP no revised proposals were Carr report – yet another Membership benefits The disastrous Transatlantic offered. I know all fire- attack on the FBU We have recently negotiated Trade and Investment fighters will be outraged. A report published last month a number of new benefits for Partnership being negotiated in We have been by the government has accused members which now include secret by the European Union patient, we have a number of trade unions, health, shopping and insurance and US would, if agreed, have always been willing to including our own, of so-called costs. I recommend that all major implications for all UK negotiate and we have “extreme tactics” in industrial members check these out and public services including the always acted with complete and political campaigning. see how you can take advantage fire and rescue service. integrity – as the public These claims are based on at www.fbu.org.uk/membership MPs will be asked to nod would expect from firefighters. unsubstantiated allegations through any agreement, but This government may praise and, in some cases, criticism Ring of Fire some parts of it could come us when we respond to major of campaigning methods I was very pleased to speak at a into force without even this incidents but their actions which are perfectly lawful number of Ring of Fire events minimal scrutiny. demonstrate utter contempt and acceptable. that took place up and down In short, it would give multi- for firefighters and the work of The report, by barrister the country over September national corporations the right our service. Bruce Carr QC, is a smear job and October. to carve up all public services That is why, at the same on a number of trade unions. The London show was and sue the government if they time as attacking our pensions, It is no accident that the attended by comedian do not make enough money they are forcing through the FBU has been included. It Russell Brand who featured from the deal. biggest cuts in the history of is because we have dared to the event in his online TTIP is a threat to public the fire service in the UK. stand up and challenge the news show The Trews. This sector workers and taxpayers As Firefighter goes to press, government and our employers approach was different to alike and the FBU will be firefighters in England are over the pension attacks and how other campaigns have campaigning with other unions preparing to take four days over local attacks on the service been conducted. However, it to oppose it.

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2 FireFighter November/December 2014 THIS MONTH Contents Pensions dispute: The FBU will continue to Pensions, pay use every tool at its disposal – continuing negotiations, political and the future action, legal action and industrial action of our service 14 ANDREW WIARD Translation of 7 message of solidarity to the FBU from the Union Nacional de Empleados/National Union of Employees (UNE) Nicaragua Brothers and sisters I am writing to you to express greetings and solidarity on behalf of the public sector UNE, a sister trade union which has undergone many years of struggle. We are convinced that the problems of the world – poverty, hunger and unem- ployment combined with low wages and the failure to comply with collective agreements – are the result of an exploitative capitalist model which promotes inequality and exclusion. The working class, our organisations and our members must fight FBU members and the union blimp took part in TUC demonstrations to demand pay rises together to combat this and to as new figures showed that living standards since 2008 have fallen further than at any build a just and equal society. time since the 1870s Today we want to express our solidarity with the just fight News Regulars of firefighters in the UK who are 4 FBU condemns government 5 Sounding off having to fight against the UK’s report on unions Farewell to Kerry Baigent neo-liberal government led by 5 Fire authority pushes through plans it 7 Focus that faithful servant of savage knows will increase response times Why austerity must end capitalism David Cameron. Mayor ‘playing politics’ with lockout plans More than ever it is 8 Aerial ladder platform Misgivings as Ashley Brown case settled 6 FBU members’ role in fight against apartheid necessary to mobilise in the Brigades merger warning streets of the UK to demand 18 Health and safety New FBU courses policies which will eliminate In brief A union guide to stress social inequality and to 19 Legal Beagle demand decent wages and the Social media, you and the law Features implementation of collective 10 Ring of Fire 20 Day off bargaining agreements. Tour highlights damage to How Glen Gorman is benefitting from a union-backed learning course Victory is not something we service across country can achieve alone – the trade 14 Pensions dispute 22 Puzzles union struggle is global and we Copies of London Recruits to be won The campaign continues remain in solidarity with you. 16 Transatlantic trade 23 Station Cat Long live the UK working class The news they don’t want you to hear Partnership deal would curb rights Long live the FBU and boost privatisation 24 25-year badges

November/December 2014 FireFighter 3 News November/December 2014 FBU condemns government’s union report as a Tory smear said: “This review, a taxpayer-funded party wins next year’s general election. Union law exercise on behalf of the Tory party, is a Francis Maude, minister for the cabinet A government report on industrial series of smears against the Fire Brigades office and paymaster general, stated again action by trade union members has been Union and the entire UK trade union that the next Tory government would ban described as a smear against the entire movement, just as we predicted it would be strikes that were not supported in a ballot trade union movement by the FBU. when it was first announced. with a turnout of more than 50%; would The Carr review, which was commis- “This hatchet job barely mentions the require unions to undertake expensive sioned after a dispute at the Grangemouth victimisation FBU members have suffered balloting for each industrial action taken; refinery in Scotland earlier this year, reaches when undertaking campaigning or strike and would continue slashing trade union conclusions on a number of issues hinting action and ignores evidence of the extreme facilities in the public sector. at law changes that would further hit trade tactics used by some employers throughout These attacks on unions came at the union campaigning and representation, recent disputes. same time that Elizabeth Truss, secretary including banning strikes in emergency “The Carr report is a cynical Tory of state for environment, told conference services like fire and rescue. publicity stunt, predictably published when that she wanted to protect the country The report accuses unions, midwives, health and other public service against the “ravages” of climate change including the FBU, of intimidating workers have been forced into industrial and flooding. non-striking workers and managers action by a government continually Wrack said: “This proves that the during industrial disputes. attacking their pay and conditions.” government want firefighters to do more, Bruce Carr QC, the author of Trade union rights in the UK are with fewer resources and don’t want to the report, said in August that it would some of the most restrictive in the hear from us when we raise how dangerous not make any specific recommenda- Western world and it was made clear cuts to the service really are. tions to changes in the law because of a at this years’ annual Conservative “It’s clear that if the Tories win the next “politicised” background. party conference that attacks on the general election they will continue their Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, union movement will continue if the anti-union and pro-austerity agenda.” JESS HURD/REPORTDIGITAL.CO.UKJESS

Evidence ignored: Ian Leahair, FBU EC member for London, lies injured after being run over by a fire engine manned by strikebreakers in 2010 as FBU members picketed the London Fire Brigade’s Southwark training centre in south London where strikebreaking firefighters were based

4 FireFighter November/December 2014 ANDREW WIARD

Sam Rye: The issues do not go away and we continue to fight www.fbu.org.uk for equality

SOUNDING OFF Farewell Kerry Samantha Rye, FBU national women’s committee acting secretary, bids farewell to outgoing secretary Kerry Baigent and reports on the Hereford and Worcester FBU members campaigning against the cuts during the work of the committee union’s Ring of Fire tour – see page 10 Kerry Baigent has been the FBU women’s committee secretary for the last decade. Authority members vote for She has recently been forced to resign from the fire service after over 21 years as a firefighter and has had to stand down from longer 999 response times her position in the FBU. public protection. As you can imagine, we are all really Hereford and Worcester “We are disgusted at the fire authority’s sad to see her go. Kerry’s contribution on Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue decision to implement cuts to the local fire behalf of our women members and the Authority has pushed through cuts, service. But the fact that there have been JANINA STRUK union as a whole has including 34 job losses, that it accepts will some concessions by a reactionary Tory-led been outstanding. We increase 999 emergency response times, fire authority is testament to the huge level would like to take this putting the public at risk. of public support there is to save our local opportunity to thank The authority voted to cut two retained fire and rescue service. Kerry (left) for all her fire engines and will reduce the number “It is scandalous, therefore, that the hard work, dedication, of firefighters on each engine to four – public has not been consulted about these support and friendship against the recommended minimum of five cuts when there is broad support for a £5 over many years. that is needed to guarantee public health increase in council tax to properly fund Kerry fought hard for equality and to and safety. the service.” make the work environment a better place, Steven Gould, FBU Hereford and Opponents collected more than 27,000 not only for women but for all members. Worcester brigade secretary, said: “We signatures against the cuts from local For the time being I will be acting secretary think the decision to set the minimum of people during a nine-month campaign. and Helen Harrison will be acting chair. four firefighters on an engine puts fire- Original plans by the authority to cut We will continue the work on behalf of fighters and the public at risk – we want to ten fire engines were dropped as a result of women and all members. see a minimum of five in order to guarantee local grassroots campaigning. Before she left, Kerry and I met Penny Mordaunt, the Westminster fire minister, to discuss the current pensions issue speaking not only on behalf of women but Mayor ‘playing politics’ with lockout plans for all members. pensions dispute. firefighters. We are currently organising our AGM London The plans were drafted “We think the mayor of to be held at Wortley Hall, Sheffield on 5 London Assembly members on the mayor’s orders by London should respect the December. Other key dates we are planning have rejected proposals by Ron Dobson, commis- decision of his fire authority towards include the Women’s TUC in mayor Boris Johnson to sioner of the London Fire and not do anything to London next March and our annual school “lock out” firefighters and Brigade, who, as recently inflame the situation at Wortley Hall on 10–12 April 2015. dock pay for entire shifts, as June, argued that such further. Our domestic violence policy is ready even if they take industrial tactics “would have a major “A lockout in London to launch, and this coincides with our action that lasts for just a industrial relations impact”. would have thrown a hand continued work on a campaign to raise few hours of a shift. Paul Embery, regional grenade into the national awareness and tackle domestic abuse. The mayor was accused secretary for the FBU dispute on pensions. The issues do not seem to go away and of “playing politics with in London, said: “It “Instead of provoking our women reps continue to represent people’s lives” in a move would have been a London firefighters, the women around the country and fight for that would put public safety highly regressive step mayor should use his equality – whether it be uniform that fits at risk and also inflame and poisoned industrial influence to help bring this properly, facilities in the workplace or the ongoing national relations to lock out dispute to an end.” maternity issues.

November/December 2014 FireFighter 5 NEWS IN BRIEF Brown case is settled Health cash plan FBU members can have access to a health cash but anger remains plan benefit that can help to manage everyday healthcare Keith Handscomb, FBU executive council and wellbeing needs by Hertfordshire member for East Anglia, said: “This may bring allowing members to claim cash A settlement has been reached between Ashley’s unfair dismissal claim to an end, but the back on expenses such as former Cheshunt firefighter Ashley Brown and bad smell around this case remains as pungent dental check-ups and Hertfordshire County Council concerning his as ever. treatments, eyesight tests, new dismissal after giving 25 years’ exemplary, life- “Serious misgivings remain about the glasses, contact lenses and saving service to the people of Hertfordshire. conduct of the original disciplinary proceedings, therapy treatments. The terms of settlement are to remain confi- conflicting statements about the role of the chief For example, someone who dential, but it is understood that the firefighter fire officer and contradictory proclamations from pays £13.50 a month could will not be returning to the service. The FBU said the council about their power to intervene. claim it hoped that, whatever the agreed terms were, “Disciplinary procedures must be overhauled ●● £150 towards dental costs they would bring some relief from the harrowing and the council should immediately reinstate ●● £150 toward optical costs experience Ashley and his family had endured the right for firefighters to have appeals against ●● £500 towards therapy since his dismissal in December last year. dismissal heard by county councillors. treatments. If you would like to join the FBU-endorsed plan, please go to www.bhsf.co.uk/fbu and download the form. Alternatively please call the Helpdesk on 0800 622 552. Green jobs study Dave Green, FBU national officer, has contributed a case study to the Campaign Against Climate Change’s report One million climate jobs: Ashley Brown’s colleagues demonstrated on his behalf Tackling the environmental and economic crises. In his report on floods Sign up now for Listen to us on cuts Green writes: “A declining number of firefighters are new FBU courses being asked to do more in flood and merger, says FBU rescue now, and will be asked to FBU learning firefighters expected to do far more in the future. Dorset and Wiltshire If you, a family member or a friend have work in their own time, “Climate adaptation is an ever wanted to take a new vocational Firefighters in Dorset and and on low pay rates, immediate industrial issue for course, then the FBU’s National Learning Wiltshire have told local just to keep fire engines the fire and rescue service.” Centre may be the answer. politicians that they must on the run and support The centre offers courses over a range of take heed of the views of community safety events. Christmas benefit subjects and is now asking for expressions professional firefighters “We require, and the Paul Heaton and Jacqui of interest for the academic year 2014–15. as they consider plans to public deserve, a properly Abbott, formerly of Trevor Shanahan, FBU union learning merge the two fire and financed, locally account- The Beautiful South, will be fund manager, said: “We have been able to rescue services. able fire and rescue performing at Manchester widen the course subject list even further They were responding service – no matter what Academy 2 to raise money for to deliver a range of courses.” They include: to a public consultation name it bears.” education and campaign ●● Mental health awareness on possible responses to Brent Thorley, FBU projects to fight racism, in an ●● Exercise studies funding cuts. It includes a brigade secretary in event sponsored by the FBU ●● Equality and diversity number of options – the Wiltshire, demanded that and other unions. ●● Principles of dementia foremost being a merger. politicians listen to the Tickets for 12 December ●● Understanding end of life The FBU submis- views of firefighters. are available from ●● Team leading knowledge sions call for “long term, Their decisions had www.manchesteracademy. ●● Customer services knowledge strategic investment in made the situation even ticketline.co.uk. ●● Nutrition and health the service”. worse, he said. “Against The performers are asking ●● ICT Karen Adams, FBU the advice of professional concert-goers to bring non- ●● Functional skills. brigade secretary in firefighters, they have perishable items to be collected If you are interested, visit Dorset, said: “These are implemented a series of for people who are finding it www.fbueducation.org to register desperate times. Funding council tax freezes which hard to provide for themselves your interest. cuts are already having have put emergency cover at a time of government Day Off – page 20 a serious impact, with at risk.” imposed austerity.

6 FireFighter November/December 2014 NEWS FOCUS FOCUS ANDREW WIARD ‘Austerity is about robbery. It’s about transferring wealth from the poor to the rich’

FBU banners provided a blaze of colour on the London demonstration It’s time to end austerity secretary, told demonstrators in London, a rousing speech about the horrors of Austerity protests who marched from the Embankment to healthcare for the average person before Firefighters joined other trade unionists on Hyde Park: “Our message is that, after the founding of the NHS in 1948. a series of mass demonstrations organised the longest and deepest pay squeeze in At the Scottish TUC’s demonstration by the TUC in London, Glasgow and Belfast recorded history, it’s time to end the in Glasgow, Roddy Robertson, FBU EC on 18 October to demand a pay rise. lockout that has kept the vast majority member for Scotland, said: “It was a great The demonstrations coincided with from sharing in the economic recovery.” demo, which brought together all workers the publication of research by the New Wearing a “We rescue people, not in a common cause – we all need a pay rise. Economics Foundation that shows living banks” t-shirt, Matt Wrack, FBU general “Whilst it is welcome that the Scottish standards have fallen so far since the crash secretary, told the thousands gathered that government has a no-redundancy policy, of 2008 that you would have to go as far the austerity agenda: “… is about robbery. we have still lost one in five public sector back as Victorian Britain in the 1870s to It’s about transferring wealth from the jobs since 2010 and far too many workers see a similar decline. poor to the rich, making us pay for the are finding themselves in working poverty, People’s average real income – after banking crisis of 2007 and 2008. this needs to stop. taking into account price rises – has fallen “They wage a nasty war on the poor, “Let’s look to Iceland: jail the bankers by 8.5% since 2008 and shows no sign of on people with disabilities, on people on and don’t blame or put the suffering on improving, despite government statistics benefits and the unemployed. But what the public.” showing the economy coming out of about corporate welfare? What about In Belfast, the N Ireland committee recession and employment rising. subsidies to private landlords? That’s where of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions The fire and rescue service has suffered we should focus.” organised a demonstration where frontline crippling attacks on pay. When the Wrack added, to applause from the union members were the speakers on Tory-led coalition came to power in 2010 audience, that the railways and the energy stage, telling of their first-hand experiences it imposed two years of pay freezes. Then industries needed to be renationalised to of low pay and austerity. each year from 2012 has seen a below- truly serve the public. The day marked Jim Barbour’s last day inflation 1% increase – effectively a pay cut 91-year-old Harry Smith, author of as FBU vice-president and N Ireland EC for firefighters. Harry’s Last Stand who stole the show at member as he retires from the fire and Frances O’Grady, TUC general this year’s Labour Party conference, gave rescue service.

November/December 2014 FireFighter 7 FBU’s role in the secret war against apartheid Apartheid South Africa may now be a secret war against apartheid, has shed light Africans to go to the country to support distant nightmare. But it is worth recalling on an important chapter in the struggle the struggle. the contribution of the Fire Brigades Union against apartheid. Writing to the union about the London and, in particular, two of its members It is written by Ken Keable – a member recruits earlier this year, Ken said: “Some during that long battle to overthrow the of the London Recruits, an organisation planted ‘leaflet bombs’ – a harmless racist regime. set up by the African National Congress device that blasted hundreds of leaflets A recent book, London Recruits, the (ANC) to encourage white non-South high into the air after the person who

8 FireFighter November/December 2014 MPs and trade union leaders join Anti-Apartheid protesters in a London demonstration in November 1985 STEFANO CAGNONI/REPORT ARCHIVE/REPORTDIGITAL.CO.UK

FBU’s role in the secret war against apartheid had planted it had got safely away. Some of two FBU members who took part in allied to the African National Congress).” unfurled banners, some posted thousands anti-apartheid activities but does not If anyone knows their names, please of letters and packages, some helped ANC know their names. He says: “In 1981 two contact Firefighter. fighters to enter South Africa, some did FBU members had gone to South Africa to ■■See www.londonrecruits.org.uk for reconnaissance and some smuggled large set off some leaflet bombs to celebrate the stories about the London Recruits quantities of weapons.” sixtieth anniversary of the South African discovered since the book was published. During his research, Ken found evidence Communist Party (which was very closely This story deserves to be on it.

November/December 2014 FireFighter 9 Support in Bristol and Portsmouth

Thousands of signatures collected

Signing up in Plymouth … a good turnout in Yarmouth

10 FireFighter November/December 2014 Ring of Fire – we’ve only just begun Campaign will continue across the country until general election

The FBU’s Ring of Fire tour made its way across the United Thousands of signatures collected Kingdom in September and October to highlight the damage done to the fire and rescue service by the government’s austerity agenda. Sounding the alarm: the future of our fire and rescue service, a report compiled and published by the union, found that since 2010 more than 5,000 firefighters’ jobs have been lost; more than 39 fire stations have been closed; and that over the past 10 years 999 emergency response times have increased on average by two minutes. Signing up in Plymouth … a good turnout in Yarmouth The aim of the tour, said national officer Dave Green, was to highlight to the public how the service is being decimated by the coalition government’s cuts and to make the future of our nation’s fire and rescue service central to next year’s general election. “We are calling for investment in the fire and rescue service now,” Green said. “The report shows the high standard of work firefighters do in the UK will be drastically curtailed if the cuts keep on coming.”

Don’t jump! The tour kicked off inLIVERPOOL with a set from The Farm, who played their seminal hit All together now on top of the FBU fire truck. TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady made a speech. Comedian Russell Brand headlined the tour’s LONDON show, which took place on the South Bank. Despite being heckled by retired London firefighter Joe McVeigh to stay on

November/December 2014 FireFighter 11 RING OF FIRE

the stage and not jump onto the fragile top of the fire truck’s cabin, Brand praised firefighters for the work they do Cardiff daily putting their lives on the line to rescue people. Another comedian joining the London show was Shappi Khorsandi who spoke movingly about her friend who died during the 7/7 bombings and where firefighters played an important role in getting the capital back on its feet after the devastating terrorist attack. Rounding off the show, Mark Thomas gathered the audience together for an intimate comedy set. Demonstrators in REDCAR were treated to a very individual folk version of Ring of Fire, the famous Johnny Cash song whose title the tour took, by fire- fighter band Fat Medicine. BRIGHTON saw the unmissable, brightly coloured Welephant take to the top of the fire truck to dance and GREAT YARMOUTH firefighters demonstrated to the public what the fire service would look like if the government keeps raising the Tour starts at TUC in Liverpool pension age – complete with zimmer frames Daniel Glyn, a local comedian in CARDIFF, started off a group sing along with everyone joining in to the Fireman Sam theme song. Davey Hopper, secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers in the north east, gave a rousing speech in SUNDERLAND about how fire- fighters had helped his union during the 1984-5 miners’ strike. Shows in HEREFORD and LEICESTER both saw more than 1,000 members of the public in a single day sign up to support the union’s campaign against cuts. Finishing in BRISTOL on 3 October, the tour proved a great success in engaging the public, says Oliver Richards, the Ring of Fire host and singer. “The public support for firefighters and the FBU throughout the tour has been overwhelming. “People are worried that a great institution like the fire and rescue service faces an uncertain future in the face of Tory cuts.”

Marginal seats MPs including Katy Clark, Tom Blenkinsop, John McDonnell, Dave Anderson and Julie Elliott joined the tour along with a number of parliamentary candidates for key marginal seats that could decide the outcome of next year’s general election. Thousands of signatures were collected for a petition calling for fresh investment in the fire and rescue service and not cuts. On where the tour goes next Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “The Ring of Fire has only just started. “We will continue campaigning vigorously across the country, engaging the public ahead of the next general election. “We need politicians of all parties to recognise that, with continued cuts and no fresh investment, it will take longer for fire engines to arrive on the scene of an emergency with fewer firefighters on that engine to tackle the blaze and perform a rescue. “Lives have been lost because of government cuts and, without investment, this will continue.” Welephant kept things lively in Brighton 12 FireFighter November/December 2014 Tour starts at TUC in Liverpool London supporters at South Bank

Welephant kept things lively in Brighton November/December 2014 FireFighter 13 PENSIONS

Firefighters have been left with no option but to take strike action after the government failed to deliver on promises of a revised offer on pensions – and the FBU is continuing to use every resource and opportunity at its disposal to obtain a fair deal PENSIONS: OUR FIGHT CONTINUES After numerous delays the Westminster fire At the time of going to press, firefighters in minister Penny Mordaunt met with FBU officials England were due to go on strike over four days, and made no new revised pensions offer, back- totalling a 96-hour walkout between 31 October tracking on her promise to get the “best deal and 4 November. possible” for firefighters. Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: The regulations to implement the new pension “Firefighters have always conducted negotiations in scheme were originally due in mid-August. That good faith and it is outrageous that no new offer has date was subsequently pushed back to early been made, after the minister communicated that September, before it was again delayed until at such offers would be put forward. least mid-October; before a final push back until “The government left us no option but to take 27 October. strike action after raising the hopes of tens of The delays on the laying of pension regulations thousands of firefighters only to offer nothing.” were, as the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) stated, because they were Legal advice looking to get the best pension offer. Addressing concerns about what the forced imple- mentation of a new pension scheme would mean No new proposals for the campaign, Matt Wrack slammed a number However despite numerous suggestions from of chief fire officers who have suggested that the fire minister that improvements were on the further action would be prevented if they were way – at a meeting with the FBU negotiators on implemented. 22 October she confirmed that there were no The general secretary confirmed that the union new proposals. had taken legal advice on this matter and the

14 FireFighter November/December 2014 PETER TILL

“We will continue to use every tool at our disposal – continuing negotiations, political action, legal action and industrial action”

PENSIONS: OUR FIGHT CONTINUES implementation of the pension scheme would not letter from the Welsh government which outlined affect any future action. As the new pension scheme an improved position with a flexible retirement is the subject of a lawful trade dispute, and that option that could affect a significant number dispute is the property of the union and its members, of firefighters. the FBU is the only body that can settle the dispute. The executive council recognised this and did not call on Welsh firefighters to take strike action N Ireland ballot on this occasion – but the situation continues to be This comes after firefighters in N Ireland voted closely monitored. to accept the executive council’s statement that Starbuck added: “DCLG, unlike all other parts of the trade dispute for their region should be lifted, the UK, have failed to show any leadership to offer taking into account revised proposals that include revised proposals that could bring this dispute to both a normal pension age of 55 and an improved a resolution.” accrual rate. This offer is the only one made so far in the United All options on the table Kingdom which offers a normal pension age of 55. Matt Wrack sent a clear message to firefighters and Sean Starbuck, FBU national officer, said: “This the government: “This dispute is not over, and will is another clear indication that we do not walk not be over, until a decent pension offer has been away from real negotiations and are committed to made for firefighters to vote on. resolving this long running pension dispute.” “We will continue to use every tool at our disposal – continuing negotiations, political Wales proposal action, legal action and industrial action until a fair On 23 October the general secretary received a deal is reached.”

November/December 2014 FireFighter 15 TRADE LAW

A partnership JESS HURD/REPORTDIGITAL.CO.UK to curb rights and boost privatisation

Washington and Brussels are quietly negotiating a deal that would enable multinational companies to take governments to court over laws protecting workers’ rights and public sector provision

larm bells are ringing in ■■ Remove the remaining tariffs (taxes) the trade union movement on goods traded between the EU and over a new and grave threat the US. to workers’ rights that In essence, this means that if a future would also undermine the British government wanted to kick out abilityA of any future British government a private company from a public sector Trade unions and charities to roll back privatisation. contract, the company could sue the organised a protest against The Transatlantic Trade and government for the loss of future profits. TTIP in Parliament Square, Investment Partnership (or TTIP) – a Members might ask: What is wrong London, in October trade agreement between the US and the with more trade, particularly in a tough EU – has been causing concern for some economic climate? time. It is due to be signed into being at But TTIP is not about easing tariff case law. Governments have no right the end of the year. barriers to trade, but about regulation of appeal – undermining their ability and “investor protection” – giving more to defend the implementation of What is TTIP? power to corporations over and above their policies. TTIP is designed to: national interests. ISDS mechanisms like TTIP create ■■ Open markets in the services sector For example, the French company a “regulatory chill” that encourages – including public services – to competi- Veolia, which has public sector contracts governments not to regulate in the tion and delivery from private companies in the UK, is currently using existing public interest for fear of litigation. ■■ Introduce legal mechanisms that “investor-state dispute settlement” The UK government and European would allow multinational corporations (ISDS) mechanisms to sue the Egyptian Commission have so far refused to say to challenge government actions that government for increasing the which services are being discussed in they see as threatening their interests. minimum wage. negotiations around TTIP or to exclude They include so-called investor-state Similar regulations were used against services such as firefighting, health, dispute settlement (ISDS) mechanisms. the central European state of Slovakia social services or further and higher ■■ Achieve “mutual recognition” of when it sought to bring health insurance education from TTIP. government regulations in areas like back into the public sector and against The Conservative-led coalition also manufacturing, chemicals and pharma- Australia over laws enforcing plain supports TTIP because of the effect ceuticals, food and the environment packaging for cigarettes. it would have on hard-won trade ■■ Eliminate preferential treatment for ISDS processes are often conducted union rights. local suppliers in secret and are not based on existing US employment law does not

16 FireFighter November/December 2014 WHAT YOU CAN DO ■■Contact your MP, MEP, MSP or assembly member and raise your concerns about TTIP and ask them to oppose the deal recognise a number of international trade and investment agreements. ■ conventions governing employment and Negotiations are being led by the ■Ask your branch/brigade/ workers’ rights. European Commission in Brussels region to link up with other Legislation in 24 US states, described with frequent reports to the European organisations locally that as “right to work” laws by their Council, which is made up of the heads are campaigning against right-wing backers, seriously limits the of national governments that are capacity of trade union members to members of the EU. TTIP – such as War on Want bargain and organise. The final deal will have to be approved and the World Development Should TTIP be agreed, UK and by the EU member states and the Movement European legislation protecting workers European Parliament. But neither the could be challenged by multinationals states nor the parliament will be able to ■■Organise a public who could also relocate in a “race to the make amendments; they can only accept meeting, lobby your MP and bottom” to cut costs. or reject the final deal. write to your local paper As ever, it is down to trade unionists to Controversial mobilise among the general public to put ■■Spread the word about Unsurprisingly, negotiations over pressure on politicians to halt this poten- such controversial measures have tially devastating deal. TTIP on social media such been conducted away from the glare This year’s TUC congress voted to as Twitter (#stopTTIP) of publicity with the European Union oppose TTIP but only if lay members and Facebook. having exclusive powers to negotiate take action can it be defeated.

November/December 2014 FireFighter 17 HEALTH & SAFETY Unions have a major role to play in ensuring that STRESS employers take their responsibilities A trade union to tackle work- related stress guide to seriously the issues

guide to help union safety reps standards to be used to enforce organisation­ implementing Stress encourage their employer to The Management of Health standards is to set up a group We all get stressed at work work with them to implement and Safety at Work Regulations to oversee the stress risk from time to time. the HSE standards on 1999 when employers fail to assessment process. But many employers do managing stress at work. manage stress at work despite This can be an existing not know how to deal with The standards were assistance and advice given in safety committee or a group set it effectively. launched in 2004 and are the standards by HSE. up for this purpose. The Health and Safety now an effective tool to assist In the absence of specific There should be union Executive (HSE) defines stress organisations to identify the legislation, the HSE’s stress involvement, but it is also as “the adverse reaction people causes of workplace stress and management standards are the important that both human have to excessive pressure implement practical solutions most effective way of dealing resources and occupational or other types of demand to manage the risks. with stress. health specialists are on placed on them”. The guide: The standards classify the the group. Unions have a major ●● Gives a background to the principal causes of work-related The TUC recommends role to play in ensuring problem of stress stress into six areas: that all members of the group that employers take ●● Outlines what the ●● Demands receive full training on the their responsibilities standards are ●● Control standards from the outset. At to tackle work-related ●● Says what you and employer ●● Support some stage all managers and stress seriously. must do ●● Relationships safety reps will need training. Dealing with stress at ●● Explains the process ●● Role Often the impetus to tackle work highlights that health ●● Tells you where to go for ●● Change. work-related stress comes and safety is not divorced additional information. from the unions, but the first from the rest of a union’s What you and your step is to gather informa- industrial activity. HSE standards employer need to do tion on the current state of The HSE has published a The TUC and unions want The first step for an the organisation. The employer will be advised to carry out an audit to establish a picture of what is happening and to give an overall view of the workplace. The next step is the risk assessment process. Step 1 – Look for hazards – what could cause harm and how? Step 2 – Identify people at risk who could be harmed and how. Step 3 – Evaluate the risks. Step 4 – Record the main findings and implement them. Step 5 – Monitor and review the effectiveness of any control measures – and revise them if necessary.

Sources of information: HSE: www.hse.gov.uk/stress TUC: www.tuc.org. uk/workplace-issues/ health-and-safety/stress

18 FireFighter November/December 2014 LEGAL FBU FREEPHONE Legal Beagle LEGAL ADVICE 0808 100 6061 Social media IN SCOTLAND – how to 0800 089 1331 stay safe

Senior employment ●●Could reflect badly on your law solicitor Kate Lea fire service or bring it into answers questions about disrepute; or Twitter and Facebook ●●Directly or indirectly divulges confidential or sensitive workplace I’ve heard stories information. about workers who Useful guidance from were sacked as a result of the official conciliation their use of social media. service ACAS suggests that Can employers really employees should always be do this? aware of who might be able Unfortunately, yes. The to see their profiles and FBU legal service is to think carefully if they helping more and more want their co-workers to members disciplined by their have access. employers as a result of their Privacy settings can activity on social media such change frequently and as Facebook and Twitter. should be checked regularly Members making comments and updated if necessary. about their colleagues, their ACAS says that it is vital to employer or about members understand that anything of the public have learned the posted on social media hard way that what might can easily be picked up by feel like a private conversa- somebody with access to your tion or interaction online can profile and passed on to others, be viewed by an employer as including your employer. SATOSHI KAMBAYASHI grounds for disciplinary action The ACAS guidance including dismissal. recommends that employers An employee will not always organisation, or – in cases of their religious beliefs. develop a clear policy so that lose their job as a result of abuse, harassment or discrimi- In contrast, another staff know what are and are work-connected social media nation – the impact the post or employee was held to have not acceptable standards of activity – simply posting comment had on the person or been fairly dismissed for behaviour when using the something on social media group at whom it was directed. making derogatory comments internet, emails, smart phones that, perhaps, they should not The High Court decided about customers on Facebook. and social media, such as have should not automatically in one case that a Christian networking websites, blogs lead to dismissal. But FBU employee who posted and tweets. How can I avoid falling members need to be aware of comments against gay ACAS also recommends foul of the law? the risks. marriage on social media was that employers be sensitive not guilty of misconduct and The best piece of advice is to employees’ privacy and did not act in breach of his always to act cautiously work-life balance. The reality, What might an contract on the grounds that while using your social media though, is that the level of Employment Tribunal the employee was entitled to accounts. Avoid anything that: this “sensitivity” will vary take into account when express his views about gay ●●Could be viewed as between brigades. considering a case of marriage. defamatory towards your fire If you are disciplined by social media misuse? The court also considered service or colleagues; ● your employer for your Employment Tribunals the extent to which it was ●●Could be viewed as use of social media or would (ETs) always look at each appropriate for employees to harassment, abuse or intimi- like guidance on this issue case on its own facts but the be disciplined for exercising dation – whether towards then you should contact your sort of things they take into their rights to freedom of a colleague or a member of FBU representative in the account are the impact on the expression and to manifest the public; first instance.

November/December 2014 FireFighter 19 DAY OFF ‘It’s a flexible and convenient way to learn new skills’ Glen Gorman took advantage of a special offer for FBU members to hone his photographic skills and is now set to turn a hobby into a job

Glen Gorman may have just retired after photography recently among FBU 30 years in fire and rescue – but he isn’t members, it seems. putting his feet up just yet. Glen is one of 350 FBU members to He is about to turn a hobby into a benefit from an Institute of Photography second career as a photographer. In fact, online photography course provided you can fit them in around work commit- he’s already started. He has a photo studio through the union at heavily reduced rates. ments. It’s a very flexible and convenient at home, plus a portable one he can take Glen, and another FBU member, were way to learn new skills and – there’s great out on jobs. awarded the very rare “certificate of feedback from tutors. There is also an In the past couple of years, Glen has distinction” for their portfolio – according online forum, where you can exchange carved out a niche for himself taking head to the FBU’s union learning rep. ideas with other students.” and shoulders portraits of performing In fact Glen “scored” 97 per cent Glen started taking photographs in his artists in need of a classy calling card. for his work on his advanced diploma late twenties – but stopped because film- He also does makeover shots. He already course – and is just about to end another processing costs were too pricey. has his own website, and a good few on digital photo editing from the same Now he reckons that the move to satisfied clients. online provider. digital cameras has helped fuel the boom But he’s just about to raise his game to “The courses are modular which means in photography – and not just among a whole new level – taking aerial photos, FBU members. videos and stills for high-end estate agents “Costs could be a real barrier in the using the latest technology. past,” he says. “You couldn’t see the There has been a bit of a boom in image until the film was developed. All that changed with digital cameras where you can see what you’ve taken as soon as you’ve taken it.” Glen has had a varied career. He started out as a rank-and-file firefighter in Lancashire and spent 20 years in London. For the last 14 months of his fire service career Glen was seconded to the National Resilience and Assurance Team (NRAT) – primed to deal with major emergencies. He was part of the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear explosive team – skilled in mass decontamination. In contrast to that of front-line firefighters, the job is scarcely visible to the public. Before moving across to national Glen’s picture of a bearded dragon from his Institute of Photography course resilience, Glen served as a station

20 FireFighter November/December 2014 Glen Gorman: and stills showing the property set in its Planning to make grounds,” says Glen. the sky the limit in The booming property market offers his second career huge opportunities for those with the right kit, skills and, crucially, licence, to build a business. UAVs can produce high quality video footage and stills for brochures. The camera is controlled from the ground and it can be set on automatic to take pictures at regular intervals. “Flying” a UVA is tightly regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority. Anyone planning to make money from it has to have a licence, which has to be reviewed annually, Glen explains. When he spoke to Firefighter he was preparing to go on the The Institute of CAA-approved training course. Photography has kindly His background in the fire service extended to 30 November should stand him in good stead. “Every 2014 the deadline for any job has to be risk assessed,” says Glen. He should not have much of a problem with FBU members or their security vetting, given his background families and friends who national resilience. would like to take up When he’s got the UAV and done the its photography course training, a new phase of Glen’s second and benefit from the career will be ready for take off, and reduced cost of £49 chances are it could really fly. (instead of £599) ●● www.glengphotography.co.uk manager in the inter-agency liaison officer team. He also studied for a masters degree in terrorism studies at the University of East London. Like most emergency workers, Glen relished the challenge and camaraderie that comes with the job. “It’s been brilliant to help people when they need it and I’ve worked alongside some really excellent colleagues over the years,” he says. He enjoys meeting the people whose portraits he takes and has carved out a market niche for himself. But now he plans to raise his game to a whole new level – though he’ll be keeping his feet firmly on the ground. He plans to build a business “flying” UAVs – unmanned aerial vehicles – taking pictures of buildings for high-end estate agents. It’s pioneering and controversial territory. The same technology has military uses – and Glen is keen to distance his new business venture from the “d” word – drones. Technology is neutral it can’t be blamed for the use some humans put it to, he says. Drones can be used for benign purposes, emerging as a new tool for humanitarian aid in conflict zones and areas hit by natural disaster. But it is the growing commercial demand for pictures and videos taken from UAVs that Glen hopes to tap into. “Someone selling a multi-million pound house would be prepared to pay for a video Glen’s photograph of a Scops Owl won an award

November/December 2014 FireFighter 21 PUZZLES

Prize 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

quiz 11 12

13 14 WIN! 15 16 17 18 19

Win one of six copies 20 21 22

of London Recruits 23 24 25 26 HOW TO ENTER To win a copy of London Recruits please send your answers by 31 December on a postcard to: Prize 27 28 Competition (Nov/Dec 2014), FBU Head Office, Bradley House, 68 Coombe Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 7AE. Please include your name, address and membership number. The winner will 29 30 31 be selected at random from all correct entries. u CROSSWORD ACROSS DOWN 1 See 3, 16 and 27 1 Convert to alcohol (7) 3, 6 and 1 across Band famed for Boogie 2 Build anew (9) Wonderland (5, 4, 4) 4 Vegetable with a heart (9) 11 Holiday camp host, or highly visible British 5 Cut of steak (1-4) soldier (7) 7 US state (5) 12 French city (there’s a New one in the 8 Pathological medical condition (7) USA) (7) 9 Emaciated (4) 13 Ambassador; messenger (5) 10 1 across, 3, 6 and 26 across in ancient 14 Fizzy drink traditionally flavoured with philosophies (8) vanilla (5,4) 16, 1 across Rolling Stones’ song (4,4,4) 15 Communication device (9) 17 Easily aroused (9)

PA PHOTOS PA 18 Prod gently with the elbow (5) Which of these 19 Open to question (9) 20 Put the kettle on for a nice.... (5) eregions of Spain 20 Shoe-mender (7) 21 Forgiveable (9) does not have a r 22 Honest, sincere, serious (7) German sausage (9) coastline? 23 24 Ire (5) 26 Used to extinguish 1 across (5) A – Andalucia 25 Of a ruling family (5) 27, 1 across Song by The Doors, covered by 26 Lacking strength (4) B – Galicia Jose Feliciano (5,2,4) C – Asturias 28 Prickly shrub – especially blackberry (7) D – Extremadura 29 Uncommon (4) Who designed the Which group was 30 Foreign; extra-terrestrial – or film starring rStatue Of Liberty? uresponsible for the Sigourney Weaver (5) A – Edouard Rene sack of Rome in AD410? 31 Retained (4) de Laboulaye A – The Mongols B – Antoni Gaudí B – The Vandals Last issue’s answers and winners C C – The Gauls – Isabella Eugenie Crossword solution D Boyer – The Visigoths October D – Frederic Auguste With which band Bartholdi idid Maureen ‘Moe’ October quiz answers What is Tucker play drums? 1 – B Tina Turner tthe name A- The 2 – B U2 of Sherlock Velvelettes 3 – C Hawaii 4 – D Calvin Klein Holmes older B – The Velvet 5 – B Oliver Richards brother? Underground A – Morgan C – The Winner of August/September quiz B – Athelney Marvelettes David Beddow, West Yorkshire C – Norbury D – New York D – Mycroft e Dolls

22 FireFighter November/December 2014 GOSSIP Station Cat For devotion The Ring of Fire tour in Watford –Why did Hertfordshire FRS get so to duty at worked up about it? their desks

Only for the BRADING/NEWSQUEST STEVE way, they are going to cut back brave chiefs on the fire service the people Your Cat has discovered of Essex can expect. Instead of something very odd about cutting £5.9 m, they are going to the Queen’s Fire Service Medal cut £7.7 m. (QFSM), which is supposed to Should we be angry? Not be awarded either “for acts of at all. We should be grateful. exceptional courage and skill at “Because of our prudent the cost of their lives” or “for financial management over the the exhibition of conspicuous last few years, we have built up devotion to duty”. significant reserves and we are In the New Years Honours in a healthy financial position List it went to the CFOs Getting down: (l-r) Essex firefighters Dan Swansborough, and able to wipe out this debt in Devon and Somerset, Scott Hepburn and Dean Woodburn immediately,” says acting chief Nottinghamshire, Tyne fire officer Adam Eckley. and Wear, West Yorkshire, government/publications/ contribution to the fire reform Lancashire, and Staffordshire. birthday-honours-lists-2014, programme,” which means he’s Diversity In the Queen’s Birthday where all is explained. signed up to government cuts. training Honours it went to CFOs in Apparently Paul Hancock, What do you get a gong for? So you’d expect Essex fire- Cheshire, Gloucestershire Cheshire CFO, has “worked You get it from sitting at a desk fighters to be in a foul and Buckinghamshire, and tirelessly to create and embed and doing what you’re told, mood. But the red watch at the deputy CFO in Hereford a strong ‘Team Cheshire’ that’s what. Clacton Fire Station have found and Worcester. culture”. a way to lift their spirits. Or, to put it another way, He has “improved organisa- The only way Each episode of Ashley every single person who has tional structures and internal in Essex Banjo’s Secret Street Crew on been given the medal this year communications, improved An accounting error by Sky 1 follows a group of non- is a chief fire officer or a deputy relationships with elected bosses at Essex fire service dancers as they learn a street chief fire officer. members, increasing his own has left them owing £15 m to dance routine in secret, and the Just like the good pay rises, visibility among front line staff the government. They have had last group to have a go were five the gongs seem to have been and developing new Cheshire- a shortfall of £1.8 m a year Clacton firefighters. corralled by the top brass. specific core values,” whatever since 2006, relating to pensions They were trained to dance that means. for injured firefighters, and by street dance superstars Sit tight and Mark Jones, CFO in they have only just found out. Diversity. There’s a picture of keep quiet Buckinghamshire, has “consist- So what will happen? Who’s them doing it at the top of So what do you have to do ently produced better outcomes going to have to pay? Well, who the page. to get one of these gongs? for the community whilst do you think? No one can worry about Pete Greeves, firefighter driving down costs” – this The fire service says it can their bosses’ incompetence and the FBU’s Norfolk chair, means he gets things done use its reserves to pay off the when they look like this. was so curious that he more cheaply. debt, but not the interest on it wrote to the Department Meanwhile Alex that a rapacious chancellor will The ringfenced of Business, Innovation Clark, deputy chief officer certainly demand. Ring of Fire and Skills. of the Scottish Fire and Ask about that and fire Herts FRS apparently told The reply came, Rescue Service, also has a service chiefs start talking like on-duty firefighters that, bizarrely, from Maria medal from Her Majesty, cement mixers. They say “the while the FBU’s Ring of Fire Groves of the Business apparently to recognise his potential for interest charges on tour was in Watford, driving Support Unit. “contribution to the strategic top” would “challenge” managers past the “gig” would not be She referred him to leadership of the SFRS” and to rethink future expenditure allowed – what were they so a website, www.gov.uk/ “his personal commitment and plans – or to put it another worried about?

November/December 2014 FireFighter 23 25-year badges

Mark Roberts (l) and Richard Phil Brown (r), white watch, Spencer Bartley (l), white Craig Langton (l), branch rep, Mallinson (r), Sleaford, Lincs, Port Talbot, Mid and West Wales, watch, Roedean, East Sussex, risk reduction, Nottinghamshire, receive their 25-year badges from receives his 25-year badge from receives his 25-year badge from receives his 25-year badge from branch rep Mick Smith brigade secretary Barrie Davies branch chair Ashley Jones brigade secretary Alan Coates

Vince Barnes (l) receives his 25-year badge from Hampshire brigade Tom Cookson (r) receives his 25-year badge from Lancashire brigade secretary Gary Jackson with white watch Winchester and Hants chair Kev Deacon with members of blue watch, Preston, looking on FBU committee

Steve Noble (l), Avon, receives Dan Munden (l), Avon, receives Paul Doble (r), Yeovil, receives Paul Marshall (l), Avon, receives his 25-year badge from brigade his 25-year badge from brigade his 25-year badge from branch his 25-year badge from brigade organiser John Maggs organiser John Maggs secretary Brad Atkinson organiser John Maggs

Graham Willson and Scott Mitchell (r ), Torbay Scott Mitchell (r ), Torbay Mike Collings (r), Devon grandchildren (r), Plymouth group support, receives his group support, receives his and Somerset training school, group support, receive his 25-year badge from brigade 25-year badge from brigade receives his 25-year badge from 25-year badge from brigade organiser Andy Gould organiser Andy Gould brigade organiser Andy Gould organiser Andy Gould

Richard Lindley (l), Alan Berg (l), retained, Paul Kirsopp (r), green watch, Andy Williams (r), red watch, Staffordshire, receives his Penicuik, Scotland, receives his Durham, receives his 25-year Hillingdon, London, receives his 25-year badge from FBU general 25-year badge from district chair badge from branch rep Phil 25-year badge from branch rep secretary Matt Wrack Denise Christie Dashwood Beltran Perez

24 FireFighter November/December 2014 Ian Hunter (l), blue watch, Painshill, Mark Wheadon (r), white watch, Roath, Russ Lewns (r), red watch, Chippenham, Surrey, receives his 25-year badge from receives his 25-year badge from South Wales receives his 25-year badge from branch rep branch rep Tom Evans with (l-r) Jim Brixley, brigade secretary Alex Psaila with members Andy Thompson with colleagues (l-r) Rob Nick Streams, Ian Hunter, Tom Evans and of white watch looking on Kynoch, Mark Miller, Nick Ratcliffe, Colin Justin Kemp Tailby and Paul Hanlon

Chris Craft (l), blue watch, Central, South Dave Morgan (l), Danes Castle, Rob Hogg (r), red watch, Stratton St Margaret, Yorkshire, receives his 25-year badge from branch Exeter receives his 25-year Wiltshire, receives his 25-year badge from brigade rep Will Selby with fellow members looking on badge from brigade organiser secretary Brent Thorley with red watch colleagues Andy Gould looking on

Rob Whittaker (l), white watch, Acting West Midlands brigade chair Dave Pitt (c) Andy Garside (l), Peaks Lane, Grimsby, Bradford, receives his 25-year badge presents 25-year badges to (l-r): Keith Clarke, receives his 25-year badge from N E Lincs from branch rep Andy Pickering with Smethwick, Adrian Smith, Brierley Hill, Mark branch secretary Graham Quickfall with white watch colleagues looking on (l -r) Harris, Brierley Hill, Brian Morris, Stourbridge, green watch, Immingham East, looking Benjamin Goddard, Michael Gumeniuk, Tony Calder, Smethwick, and Rob Evans, on (l-r) Joe Thornton, Ricky Hoult, Ben Richard White, Rob Whittaker, Adam tech rescue Thomas, Wayne Litchfield, Rich Jordan, Turner, Andy Pickering and James Dyson Sharron Scott

Mal Orr (l), red watch, South Chris Telford (l), white watch, Gary Holland (r), red watch, Andy Oxnard (r), risk reduction, Elmsall, West Yorkshire, receives Barnsley, South Yorkshire, South Elmsall, West Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, receives his his 25-year badge from branch receives his 25-year badge from receives his 25 year badge from 25-year badge from regional rep Mark Faulkner branch rep Phil O’Connell branch rep Mark Faulkner chair Phil Coates

Nic Browning (l), white Mark Herrington (r), blue Saul Bolton (l), green watch, Gerard O’Neill (l), green watch, Malvern, Hereford and watch, Romford, receives his Malvern, Hereford and watch, Doncaster, South Worcester, receives his 25-year 25 year-badge from Barking, Worcester, receives his 25-year Yorkshire, receives his 25-year badge from branch secretary Dagenham and Havering badge from branch secretary badge from regional official Andy Davies borough sec Mark Triphook Andy Davies Graham Wilkinson

November/December 2014 FireFighter 25 Stephen Shaw (r) receives his John Maggs (l), Avon brigade organiser and H&S Kevin Peat (r), red watch, Sprowston, 25-year badge from West Yorkshire rep, receives his 25-year badge from national officer Norfolk, receives his 25-year badge from brigade secretary Dave Williams with John McGhee brigade secretary Kevin Game with Huddersfield blue watch looking on colleagues looking on

Michael Rooke (l), green Andy Blackburn (r) receives Eddy Beaumont (r) receives Nigel Turner (r) receives watch, Dearne, South his 25-year badge from West his 25-year badge from West his 25-year badge from West Yorkshire, receives his 25-year Yorkshire brigade secretary Dave Yorkshire brigade secretary Dave Yorkshire brigade secretary Dave badge from regional official Williams with Huddersfield blue Williams with Huddersfield blue Williams with Huddersfield blue Graham Wilkinson watch looking on watch looking on watch looking on

Andy Rowe (l), green watch, Richard Hubbard (l), Nick Baldwin (l), Avon, receives Steven Day (l), Staffordshire, Rivelin, South Yorkshire, receives Staffordshire, receives his his 25-year badge from brigade receives his 25-year badge his 25-year badge from regional 25-year badge from FBU general organiser John Maggs from FBU general secretary official Graham Wilkinson secretary Matt Wrack Matt Wrack

Dave Brown (r), green watch, Peter Hamilon (r), green watch, Tony Allen (r), green watch Paul Martin (r), Erith, London, Swalwell, Tyne & Wear, receives Swalwell, Tyne & Wear, receives Swalwell, Tyne & Wear, receives receives his 25-year badge from his 25-year badge from brigade 25-year badge from brigade H&S his 25-year badge from brigade branch rep Dan Hughes H&S rep Brian Harris rep Brian Harris H&S rep Brian Harris

Neil Pederson (l), Staffordshire, Nigel Allen (l), Staffordshire, Paul Goodman (l), Paul Sant (l), Staffordshire, receives his 25-year badge receives his 25-year badge Staffordshire, receives his receives his 25-year badge from FBU general secretary from FBU general secretary 25-year badge from FBU general from FBU general secretary Matt Wrack Matt Wrack secretary Matt Wrack Matt Wrack

26 FireFighter November/December 2014 Lynne Lockhart, control, Mark Norris (l) receives his 25-year badge from Devon and Somerset Graeme Dickson (l), control Scotland, receives her 25-year women’s rep Sharon Wilcock with members (l-r) Steve Squires, rep, Humberside, receives badge from national officer John Darren Taylor and Stu Horwood his 25-year badge from Yorks McGhee with colleagues David and Humberside EC member Bennett and Andy Fulton Ian Murray

Steve Crowther (r) receives his Carl Jones (r), blue watch, Preston, receives his Colin Carswell (r), red watch, Great 25-year badge from West Yorkshire 25-year badge from Lancashire brigade chair Kevin Holm, Buckinghamshire, receives his brigade secretary Dave Williams with Deacon with blue watch colleagues looking on 25-year badge from branch rep Daniel Huddersfield blue watch looking on Graham with red watch looking on

Paul Cotterell (l), Yeovil, Christopher Gaunt (l), Darren Dagless (l), David Thorpe(l), Staffordshire, receives his 25-year badge from Staffordshire, receives his Staffordshire, receives his receives his 25-year badge Devon and Somerset brigade 25-year badge from FBU general 25-year badge from FBU general from FBU general secretary organiser Andy Gould secretary Matt Wrack secretary Matt Wrack Matt Wrack

Ethan Shenton (l), Gary Bowcock (l), Staffordshire, Guy Volpe (l), Staffordshire, Michael Riley (l), Staffordshire, Staffordshire, receives his receives his 25-year badge receives his 25-year badge receives his 25-year badge 25-year badge from FBU general from FBU general secretary from FBU general secretary from FBU general secretary secretary Matt Wrack Matt Wrack Matt Wrack Matt Wrack

Stephen Vousden (l), Alan Rogers (l), Staffordshire, Philip Andrews (l), Shaun Burgess (r), green watch, Staffordshire, receives his receives his 25 year badge Staffordshire, receives his Thorne, South Yorkshire, receives 25-year badge from FBU general from FBU general secretary 25-year badge from FBU general his 25-year badge from divisional secretary Matt Wrack Matt Wrack secretary Matt Wrack rep Nicola Brown

November/December 2014 FireFighter 27 25-year badges FBU regional offices REGION 1 Scotland 52 St Enoch Square, Glasgow, Scotland G1 4AA 0141 221 2309, [email protected] REGION 2 N Ireland 14 Bachelors Walk, Lisburn, Co Antrim, BT28 1XJ 02892 664622, [email protected] REGION 3 Cleveland, Durham, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear 1 Carlton Court, 5th Avenue, Team Valley, Gateshead, NE11 0AZ 0191 487 4142, [email protected] REGION 4 Yorks and Humberside 9 Marsh Street, Rothwell, Scott Lomas (r), green watch, Kath Smith, control staff Neil Trenchard (l), tech Leeds, LS26 0AG Staines, Surrey, receives his national committee chair, receives fire safety, divisional rep 0113 288 7000, [email protected] 25-year badge from Dan Pearson her 25-year badge from general Humberside, receives his REGION 5 Greater Manchester, Lancs, Isle of Man, Cumbria, Merseyside, with colleagues (l-r) Justin secretary Matt Wrack, shortly 25-year badge from Yorks and Cheshire Randtoul and Ashley Sandison before losing her job because of Humberside EC member Ian The Lighthouse, Lower Mersey St, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, CH65 2AL looking on the closure of Lancashire control Murray 0151 357 4400, [email protected] REGION 6 Derbyshire, Notts, Lincs, Leics, Northants 19-21 Musters Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7PP 07894 613402, [email protected] REGION 7 West Mids, Staffs, Warks, Hereford & Worcester, Salop 195/7 Halesowen Rd, Old Hill, West Midlands, B64 6HE 01384 413633, [email protected] REGION 8 Mid and West Wales, North Wales, South Wales Dave Mitchelson (r), officers’ Phil Richards (r), West Dave Storey (l), risk reduction, REGION 9 Herts, Beds, Cambs, Essex, branch, Durham, receives his Bromwich, receives his 25-year Nottinghamshire, receives his Norfolk, Suffolk 25-year badge from officers’ rep badge from West Midlands 25-year badge from brigade 28 Atlantic Square, Station Road, Witham, Essex, CM8 2TL Ian Mclean with Peterlee green acting brigade chair Dave Pitt organiser Clare Hudson 01376 521521, [email protected] watch looking on REGION 10 London John Horner Mews, Frome Street, Islington, London, N1 8PB 020 7359 3638, [email protected] REGION 11 Kent, Surrey, Sussex Unit 11, Hunns Mere Way, Woodingdean, Brighton, BN2 6AH 01273 309762, [email protected] REGION 12 Bucks, Berks, Hants, Oxon, Isle of Wight Temporary address: Unit 3a, Broughton Grounds Lane, Newport Pagnell MK16 0HZ 01296 482297, [email protected] REGION 13 Cornwall, Devon and Somerset, Avon, Gloucs, Wilts, Dorset Jim Ford (r), red watch, David Gibson (l), retained, Barry Downey (l), West 158 Muller Road, Horfield, Weymouth, receives his 25-year Penicuik, Scotland, receives his Midlands EC member, receives Bristol, BS7 9RE badge on the picket line (May 25-year badge from district chair his 25-year badge from FBU 0117 935 5132, [email protected] 2014) from Darren Langdown Denise Christie general secretary Matt Wrack Change of address or next of kin Advise your Brigade Organiser of any change of address and Head Office of changes to next of kin or nominations for benefits. FBU FREEPHONE LEGAL ADVICE LINE 0808 100 6061 (England, Wales and N Ireland), 0800 089 1331 (Scotland), The line provides advice for Gary Fitzgerald (l), blue watch, Tim Lean (l), St Austell, receives John Cousins (l), Merseyside, personal injury, family law, Northolt, receives his 25-year his 25-year badge from branch receives his 25-year badge from wills, conveyancing, personal badge from London NW area rep Nick Jones on the picket line North West ONC rep Ged Phelan finance and consumer issues. secretary David Shek in June 2014 For disciplinary and employment-related queries Please send digital files or prints to: names of everyone who is in it; their station/ contact your local FBU [email protected] or Firefighter, FBU, 68 brigade/watch etc; where they are in the picture representative. Coombe Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 7AE. (eg: left to right); their union posts/branch if Please include full details for every picture – full relevant; and where and when it was taken. 28 FireFighter November/December 2014