Established 1918

JOURNAL OF THE FIRE BRIGADES' UNION Fire SEPTEMBER 1974 VOL 2 No. 6 FIGHTER

BRIGHTON 1974

A SOCIAL CONTRACT says TUC

Let's Elect a Labour Government PAGE TWO FIREFIGHTER/SEPTEMBER 1974 Fire FIGHTER

MONTHLY JOURNAL OF THE FIRE BRIGADES' UNION 59 FULHAM HIGH ST. LON DON SW6 GENERAL SECRETARY: T E R E N C E P A R R Y , OB E Union makes progress at NJC meeting

PROGRESS was made on several issues at the last meeting holidays for the Fire Service will be receiving consideration of the National Joint Council, which was the Annual Gen­ by the Executive Council. eral Meeting, at the Fire Service Technical College, Moreton-in-Marsh. RETAINED MEMBERS ALLOWANCES The main points are reported below. • Retained members’ allowances with the exception of the retaining fee, are to be increased by 7 per cent dating from 1st April 1974. There is also for the first time to be EXTRA HOLIDAYS payment made to retained members for attendance at SOME PROGRESS was made on two extra-public holidays drills. This will be at the appropriate hourly rate and is for the Fire Service and payment for attendance at drills to also backdated to 1st April 1974. retained members. Other items are continuing to receive attention. The full details of the improvements in retained members’ conditions is explained by Roy Martindale on page 3. • From 1975 the Fire Service will be brought into line with the National Agreements on the number of Public Holi­ CONTROL ROOM STAFF days granted to the manual grades, and the Administra­ tive, Professional, Technical and Clerical Employees in • For Control Room Staff it now seems there is a firm Local Government, that is to say, in addition to the seven nomenclature agreed. As reported in the last issue of statutory public holidays there will be two extra-public Firefighter there is to be an additional senior rank holidays a year granted on exactly the same arrange­ created. ments as for the present seven statutory days. The six ranks will be known as: Fire Control Operator, No decision was made as to which days would be desig­ Leading Fire Control Operator, Senior Fire Control nated as extra-public holidays for the Fire Service. The Operator, Fire Control Officer, Group Fire Control general practice in Local Government has been to leave Officer, Principal Fire Control Officer. this for local agreement. Agreement was reached in July and promulgated on In 1948, when our members in Scotland settled for the adjustments in salary for existing Control Room Officer dates of their public holidays in the Scottish Fire Service, the ranks which operated from 1st July 1974, as did the main Western Area chose one day to be Bastille Day and that still Control Room Staff agreement. remains. Who knows, we might now get suggestions for The salary scale for the new rank of Principal Control Burns Night (or more likely the day after). Room Officer will be settled by the Officers’ Committee of The constitutional position is that the arrangements the N.J.C. decided on for designating the dates of the two extra-public continued on page 3 FIREFIGHTER/SEPTEMBER 1974 PAGE THREE

Probationary Firemen should be given early warning of NJC REPORT CONTINUED any adverse personal report. • Aggregation of Casual Overtime This should be discussed with him by the appropriate Officer and a note of the adverse report given to the man. The Employers were able to agree that the recall to duty The member would then be free to inform the Union and for a catastrophe should attract a minimum of three hours’ the Union would have the opportunity of contacting the pay at double time and that all hours worked beyond the appropriate Officer with a view to endeavouring to help first three in those circumstances should be at double time. the member. In relation to casual overtime the Employers were pre­ pared to offer each occasion of more than 10 minutes to be counted as a separate incident rounded upwards to the nearest half hour but to continue to be paid at the rate of time-and-a-half. The Union pointed out that this formula could in many cases mean worsening of the present posi­ Use agreement tion and therefore rejected it. Following the reorganisation of the Fire Service many of the Employers’ representatives from the new County Associations and Association of Metropolitan Counties were attending the National Joint Council for the first to recruit time. The Employers affirmed that it was their intention to make an improvement on the present position and were prepared to reconsider the claim. In these circumstances the Union again fully outlined retained men the revised claim on payment for casual overtime to the new Employers’ representatives which is for aggregation to be terminated and for each incident over 15 minutes (or 10 minutes if the Employers agree) to be paid as a separate incident rounded up to units of a full hour and paid at the to the union rate of double time. The Employers were put on firm notice that they would By ROY MARTINDALE be expected to agree this proposal at the next meeting of THE NEW agreement for the National Joint Council (which is in September) or the retained members set out in full question would be put to the membership as one on which below is something the Union it appeared Firemen were being taken for granted. has been attempting to get set­ tled for a good number of years. • London Weighting Allowance We have always regarded the fact that no payment for atten­ The Pay Board’s Report on London Weighting Allow­ dance at drills to retained ances was noted and referred to the Joint Secretaries of members was a form of daylight the National Joint Council for consideration. robbery. Now we have got payment, • Subsistence and out-of-Pocket Allowances based on the hourly rate and backdated to April 1st, 1974. A claim by the Union for a revision of Subsistence and Moreover, payment for two Out-of-Pocket Allowances as well as for air travel costs hours will be made for two for students from Scotland and Northern Ireland attend­ weeks of annual leave, and full ing the Fire Service Technical and Staff Colleges was payment of two hours on up to referred to the Joint Secretaries for consideration. four occasions a year of the member’s away on certificated • Report of Joint Committee on 48 Hour Week and sick leave. Further Involvement of all Personnel in Fire Preven­ All allowances other than the retaining fees have been tion Duties increased by 7 per cent, again The following is an extract from the Report of the Joint backdated to April 1st, 1974. Committee which went to the National Joint Council and Besides these continuing refers principally to no overtime being worked on Fire progresses, in allowances, the Stations when the 48 hour week is introduced. Union also provides other ser­ money. I would urge all “ Both Sides of the Joint Committee re-affirmed the vices for our retained mem­ retained members to become intention to move on November 8, 1974 to an actual bers: involved in bringing all other *General Representation retained men into the Union. working week of 48 hours as provided in the National *Legal Services — Damages, If there are non-members on Council’s agreement. For the Employees’ Side, the etc. your Fire Station get them in Employees’ Secretary stated that the Fire Brigades *Accident and Injury Fund, the Union. When there are Union' s firm policy would be that no overtime on wherever small payments non-Union retained Fire Sta­ account of establishment deficiencies would be allowed attract on duty and off duty tions — do all you can to help on the changeover to the 48 hour week. If necessary benefits in case of accident and your Brigade Union officials to specialist staff involved in non-emergency duties would substantial benefits for death at bring them into the Union. have to be temporarily redeployed to make up any seri­ fires. ous manning deficiencies at Fire Stations. MILESTONE “The Employers expressed understanding of the BENEFITS Issues directly affecting motive behind this policy and affirmed that the 48 hour There really is a moral oblig­ retained members do crop up ation as well as clear benefits from time to time in Brigades. week was to be an actual working week of 48 hours. for all retained members of the There is no question that the They were nevertheless extremely concerned at any Fire Service to be members of Union is better equipped to action which might lead to a reduction in standards of The Fire Brigades Union. deal with these issues when all fire cover.” The FBU recognise that the retained men are members most retained firemen already of the Union. • Probationary Firemen Progress Reports pay Union dues to their own A milestone has been Union and consequently keep reached with payment for drills Discussions were continued and referred to Joint Sec­ the fees to retained members in to retained members — retaries on the question of Progress Reports on Pro­ the FBU low. strengthen your position bationary Firemen, a matter already agreed in principle. Retained members' Union further by bringing all retained The Union are seeking to reach an arrangement that fees are more than value for men into the Union. PAGE FOUR FIREFIGHTER/SEPTEMBER 1974 "DU STY" - you did us proud!

Phil (Dusty) Miller, London E.C. Member, has now retired from the Fire Service and at the No. 11 Regional meeting held on 24th July, 1974, the oppor­ tunity was taken to say " good­ bye" to our most respected Executive Council Member, Bro. “ Dusty” Miller. A radio/tape recorder and lighter were presented to Dusty on behalf of the London mem­ Left to right — Greg Bluestone, Terry Parry, John Lewis, Phil Miller, John Holloway bership by his Divisional Sec­ retary and Bro. Holloway of the London membership and the retiring then that way would ling him to wear his 25 year No. 11 Regional Executive. The Union as a whole would be have been found"and secondly, badge with pride. Executive Council was rep­ impossible to do here, but I the London Regional Chair­ We all wish Dusty well in his resented by Bro. Parry who think the following quotes from man, Bro. Lewis . . . "Dusty retirement, there is no doubt gave Dusty his overdue 25 year two of the speakers at the meet­ your the one hope who really is about him being irreplaceable, badge and certificate marking ing sum up how we in London irreplaceable” . his presence in London will be his 25 years service. feel about losing Dusty. First, Dusty was visibly moved by sorely missed by us all. To write about Dusty’s Bro. Parry . . . "if there was the proceedings especially when G. M. Bluestone, achievements on behalf of the any way to prevent Dusty from he thanked the Union for enab­ “ F” Division, London.

* FUNNIES*

“ Since he has been in the Fire Prevention Department he has mezzanine structures on his mind all the time.”

“ Overcrowded. And I’m not too happy over your Means of Escape either.” “ Programmed learning is a high flyer in this brigade.” FIREFIGHTER/SEPTEMBER 1974 PAGE FIVE Row over Pay Board’s housing plan action causes A FLAN to sell two firemen’s manning crisis houses in Kidderminster has sparked off a row involving the union. THE PAY BOARD’S refusal November 8 (when hours are on the fire and emergency The houses are owned by to allow more money to Sur­ cut from 56 to 48 a week).” services.” the fire brigade committee rey firemen could cause a and have been the homes of major crisis to the fire service DESPERATE servicemen. DISASTROUS by the mass exodus of firemen The situation has arisen “ About 120 of our mem­ Now the council has to London — where they can bers are living either on the announced it intends to sell from the granting of a Lon­ get £5 to £6 a week more. don weighting allowance but border or in the GLC area them to pay for a new £20,000 itself.” fire brigade control room in a refusal to give Surrey men The warning has come more. Already 17 have left Surrey Worcester — as the money to from Len Gibbs, secretary of in eight weeks and another 90 pay for it was lost in a recent Surrey branch of the FBU, “ Firemen in the GLC area have warned they will go if the Government cut-back. who said: “ London Fire who may attend the same fires extra money is not granted. John Griffiths, the union’s Brigade already have 400 as our lads on the London A similar problem is aris­ acting chairman of the Mid­ vacancies. They could absorb border could be earning up ing in parts of Essex where lands region, has comdemned all the active firemen in Sur­ to £6 a week more, and get­ the staffing shortage at the sale “for any reason.” rey. ting travel and meal allow­ Loughton fire station is now ances.” said Bro. Gibbs. Housing Pool desperate. They do not qual­ “It could mean we reach “ Unless London incentives ify for the London weighting He said: “ We can still use the stage where some Surrey are given to Surrey men the or travel allowances either, these houses. We are in the towns have no fire cover at trickle of staff leaving will in whereas firemen at nearby middle of a recruitment cam­ all. That might happen by the next few weeks increase to Hainault, Woodford and paign at the moment and we November and certainly by a flood with disastrous effects Chingford do. feel in order to encourage recruits accommodation should be kept as an induce­ ment. “ We would like to see a Officers pool of housing within the county council so that any department can allocate recognised homes when they want THE INAUGURAL Meeting them.” of the new Essex Officers’ Committee was held on Wed­ nesday August 7th at Chelmsford. Head Office was represented by National Sea work Officer Brother Dick Foggie. The meeting, as well as dis­ cussing national and local ques­ is banned tions concerning Fire Service Officers, elected their own A BAN on firefighting at sea. officials. such as on ships or oil rigs, Brother Bob Hodder was has been imposed by Cleve­ elected Chairman and Brother land firemen. Stan Wyness elected Secre­ The union has made its tary. These two officials will make a bit of local history objections clear to the county because for the first time ever council's services committee. the Brigade Committee negoti­ These include the difficul­ ations have succeeded in ties involved in the use of tugs obtaining negotiating recogni­ equipped with firefighting tion for FBU Officers in Essex. pumps, ascending rope lad­ Danes meet the Sheriff Brothers Hodder and ders in choppy conditions, Wyness will participate jointly difficulty in directing jets in with NAFO representatives in the negotiating machinery for adverse weather, the fact that of Nottingham Officers in the Essex Fire the pumps are manned by tug Brigade. crew and not firemen, and the It has been agreed with inadequate insurance cover TWO MEMBERS of the Copenhagen fire brigade met the NAFO that when the Chair­ provided for firemen. Sheriff of Nottingham in their recent trip to this country. They man and Secretary of the Joint The union has suggested were Eigil Neilsen and Otto Andersen who were here to study Negotiating Committee are the use of tugs be discon­ our firefighting training methods. The Sheriff— no longer the elected, one post will be filled tinued — then it will give full ogre of Robin Hood days — was only too pleased to show them by each organisation. support to the council’s prop­ his maces. While at Nottingham, Eigil was able to renew a The Brigade is naturally to friendship with local fire service member Harry Hyman whom communicate with the Secre­ osal for a new fireboat and he met on a similar exchange trip in Copenhagen. Shown left to tary but send copies of all cor­ river station and would man right are the Sheriff (Councillor Len Squires), Otto Andersen, respondence to the Chairman, and operate the boat up to the Eigil Neilsen and Harry Hyman. Picture: Nottingham Evening thus keeping both organisa­ mouth of the river. tions informed on matters. PAGE SIX FIREFIGHTER/SEPTEMBER 1974 Ulster: the pressure, danger and strain

GOVERNMENT responsibil­ The point was made that the ity for the Fire Service in Government might well be Northern Ireland has recently expected to make a substantial been transferred within the identified financial contribu­ Northern Ireland Office to the tion in this direction. Ministry of the Environment. For three members of the Mr. Roland Moyle, M.P., Union’s delegation, John Mat­ has been made Minister of thews Officers’ Representative State responsible for Ministry Ken Stewart, the Divisional of Environment affairs in Representative from London­ Northern Ireland. derry, and June Levingstone, The Union very quickly representative of the newly were able to make arrange­ formed Northern Ireland Con­ ments for a meeting with the trol Room Staff, Stormont new Minister at Stormont Cas­ Castle was a new experience. tle to inform him of Fire Brigade Union affairs and opin­ ions in relation to conditions of service in the Northern Ireland Fire Authority. Successful The meeting took place in the afternoon of Tuesday July 23rd, 1974. Negotiations on Fire Service protest matters are carried out with the BY SHEER coincidence on the Northern Ireland Fire Author­ day before the Union’s deputa­ ity Board and not Government tion met the Minister of State at Ministers. The meeting was to Stormont Castle, the Northern offer to the Minister for infor­ Ireland members of the Union mation the benefit of Union’s had commenced an absolute very long experience in North­ solid “emergency calls only” ern Ireland, and particularly industrial protest to bring pres­ over the recent period. sure on the Northern Ireland Fire Authority to more quickly agree clear and defined negotiat­ PRESSURE ing procedures. The main point stressed by Although the President and the Union was that firemen in General Secretary had attended Northern Ireland for around the Regional Committee Meet­ five years had continuously ing in Belfast on the morning of without a break been subject to Tuesday July 23rd to discuss the extreme pressure, continuous visit to the Minister in the after­ personal danger, and a very noon, they were nevertheless great deal of extra damned hard brought fully up to date with the work. “ work to rule” which within a How long a year can seem, few days ended successfully. never mind five years in those Joint and continuing discus­ conditions, just isn’t true. sions were agreed by the North­ To some extent it was ack­ ern Ireland Fire Authority to nowledged that the Royal Uls­ establish negotiating procedures ter Constabulary had not had a with the Union. stand down either. Firemen of course were not part of the law and order security forces in the same way as was the R.U.C. There had been many offers Other members of the deleg­ — which could not be accepted ation: — made by firemen in Britain to The President, Enoch Hum­ give the lads in Northern Ire­ phries, General Secretary A typical example of firemen under pressure in Northern land a spell. That is not possible Terry Parry, Executive Coun­ Ireland. for obvious reasons. cil Member Ken Kernaghan, Picture: Belfast Telegraph. Regional Chairman Joe Hall. Regional Secretary Archie STRAIN Culbert and Regional Treas­ The Union told the Minister urer Hughie McKay, are no that ways of getting some relief strangers either to Stormont Vote by October 28 from the strain was under con­ The City Hall Belfast, or the stant examination. Workpeo­ Fire Authority Board in Lis­ ple other than firemen, labour­ burn, Co. Antrim. All branches are reminded that the closing date ers and clerical staff were being The Minister received the for voting in the ballot for Assistant General employed by the Fire Author­ delegation most cordially and ity to take some of the load off. asked a great many questions Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union is October The Union would be pres­ for his own information. 28th 1974 and that all returns must be made by sing for the highest possible In thanking the deputation then. establishment for extra leave for coming to see him, Mr. and extra men manning fire Moyle said that the meeting appliances. had been a most useful one. FIREFIGHTER/SEPTEMBER 1974 PAGE SEVEN

Special four-page TUC report A UNIQUE CONGRESS THE 1974 Trades Union Con­ which was moved by Lawrence tion, had Motion 49 on the social contract should be gress held from the 2nd to 6th Daly on behalf of the National agenda which was being put by entered into. Composite September at The Dome in Union of Mineworkers, and the Engineering Unions in oppo­ Motion 9 and the General Brighton was unique in the sense Composite Motion 10 on Eco­ sition to the Social Contract. Council were saying the TUC- that it was the first Trades Union nomic Policy, moved by Geoffrey The essence of the argument Labour Party Liaison Com­ Congress, at any rate since the Drain on behalf of the National was that the AUEW-TASS mittee had in fact broadly second world war, where a card and Local Government Officers’ Motion listed eight points on accepted all the eight points vote was not called for. Association, the Amalgamated which they said a Labour as well as other social improve­ At some Congresses the call Union of Engineering Workers, Government had to make sub­ ments, that progress had already of the Chairman, “Tellers in Technical and Supervisory Sec­ stantial progress before any been made by the minority their places” was really an hourly Labour Government and that event, such were the divisions on Set out below are the eight points in Motion 49:— there was no evidence that policy in the British Trade Union 1. A large-scale redistribution of income and further progress on this pro­ Movement - but not so at the wealth gramme would not be made by a 1974 Congress. 2. A massive increase in housebuilding with the majority Labour Government. Delegates were unanimous on emphasis on homes for those in need and At the end of two hours of all the policies and this was those on lower incomes excellent debate, in which 18 coupled with an overwhelming 3. Municipalisation of rented property speakers participated, the desire to get on with the General 4. Public ownership of the land required for the General Secretary of the TUC, Election and get a strong housing programme Len Murray, gave a firm under­ majority Labour Government taking that the eight points in returned. 5. A wide-ranging and permanent system of the AUEW-TASS Motion The main debate took place price control would be included in the con­ on the Wednesday of Congress 6. Vastly improved social services by the injection tinuing discussions between the week and was on the social of the necessary resources TUC and a Labour Government contract. 7. Substantial increases in public ownership and and on that basis made a last The debate was charged with public enterprise coupled with public super­ minute appeal for the motion atmosphere because while vision of the investment policies of large to be withdrawn. it was clear the vast private corporations; and The debate ended by the majority of Congress was 8. Substantial cuts in defence expenditure in AUEW-TASS withdrawing going to back Composite order to release resources to help carry Motion 49 and the Social Con­ Motion 9 on the Social Contract, through this programme. tract was agreed by Congress.

The Fire Brigades Union's Delegation to the 1974 Trades Union Congress comprised :— The President- Enoch Humphries General Secretary -Terry Parry Vice-President- Ray Kilburn Treasurer- Jim Dean Executive Council Members- Wilf Barber, Bill Deal, Jim Cairns, Les Hockaday (Bro. Barber was on Union business in London when the delegation's photograph was taken) PAGE EIGHT FIREFIGHTER/SEPTEMBER 1974 PAGE NINE

PARRY SPELLS OUT AN 8-POINT PENSION REFORM ON TUESDAY, 3rd September on a funded basis. Much better (c) Future pensions related to the cost of pensions. 1974, Congress dealt with Social conditions and protection must earnings, with a minimum pen­ Insurance and Industrial Welfare be given to occupational pen­sion below which a full contri­ Finally the General Council matters. That Section of the sions than the previous Govern­butory pensioner would not fall. wants to see the TUC more Report was led in for the ment had laid down. (d) Better provisions for closely connected with the General Council by Terry Parry, Terry Parry listed eight points widows, the chronic sick and National Insurance Scheme. General Secretary of the Fire which the TUC has been pressing the disabled. (N.B. All of these points were Brigades Union. both with the Labour Party anti (e) Equal treatment for women substantially met in the Labour He welcomed the Govern­ latterly the Labour Government and recognition of their respon­ Government’s White Paper on ment’s decision to repeal the to become part of the new Labour sibilities in the home. Retirement Pensions published provisions of the Social Security Pensions Scheme. (f) Simple arrangements for on Wednesday, 11th September, Act 1973 relating to Reserve good occupational Pension and welcomed by the TUC) Pensions and the inadequate The Plan scheme. Terry Parry also spoke briefly terms laid down for exemption (a) An adequate retirement in­ (g) Better and more extensive on the New Safety and Health of occupational schemes. There come sufficient to live on without recognition conditions for Act and the Safety Commission must be a minimum pension for regard to other means. Occupational Pension Scheme, He reminded delegates that no all, based on average earnings (b) More frequent reviews on including joint management, existing Regulations would be and adjusted continuously, with pensions in payment, related including rights and equality changed until there had been ENOCH HUMPHRIES equal pension rights for women. earnings in average earnings for women. better ones prepared to replace RAY KILBURN It was not possible to do this and prices. (h) A proper distribution of them. No to nuclear REFERENDUM WANTED ON COMMON MARKET Support won on THERE WERE three Motions of the European Common referendum results should be television media in order that on the Common Market debated Market has adversely affected declared for each separate the exercising of an impartial pressurised at Congress. The first calling on the sovereign rights and livin? Parliamentary Constituency. judgement by the electorate tests say FBU the TUC to participate in the conditions of the British Furthermore the General shall not be affected by finan­ Committees of the European people. Council should call on the cially-sponsored propaganda.’ THE UNION’S Motion 39 on Trade Union and Labour Move­ Economic Community. This Congress reaffirms its oppo­ Government to ensure that The President of Congress, work ings Nuclear Weapons was moved ment expected its declared Motion, moved by the Elec­ sition to the entry tern's appropriate regulations are Lord Allen, declared the motion The Union’s motion on the Fire Bro. Kilburn pointed out it was by the President, Enoch policy to reduce expenditure on trical, Electronic, Telecommuni­ negotiated and accepted by made governing the expendi­ carried with only a few voting Service and Pressurised almost a certainty that further Humphries, and called for a defence to be implemented. cation & Plumbing Union, was the Conservative Government ture of moneys and access to against it. Workings was successfully life was being put at risk to complete dissociation of Britain Bob Edwards of the TGWU, defeated. and urges the Government to moved by the Vice-President, recover an already dead person. from all forms of nuclear seconding, said that the only The second Motion was a very speed up negotiations about Ray Kilburn. Bro. Kilburn told The FBU were calling for weapons and testing of nuclear influence we could now have on short one, moved very ably by new terms with the European Congress that the first meeting much greater improved safety weapons, and for the closing of the world was not by our armed Harry Urwin of the TGWU, Economic Community, reH of a Working Party between arrangements in pressurised all nuclear bases, both British strength but by moral and simply “declaring once again storing to the British Parlia­Ban the NHS representatives of the Home workings to be included in the and American, located in Britain ethical socialist leadership. He the continued opposition of ment the sole power over Office, the Department of Em­ Pressurised Workings Act of or in British waters. pointed out that Mr. Nixon, in Congress to Britain’s member­ legislation and taxation, and ployment, the TUC, CBI, Local 1948 and for these arrangements Bro. Humphries pointed out his attempts to divert attention ship of the Common Market". rejecting the Common AgriJ private patients Authorities, the Chief Fire to be provided by the con­ that since the war no less than from the Watergate cover-up, This Motion was carried. cultural Policy. Congress re­ Officers’ Association, National tractors. £300,000 millions had been had alerted all American forces The third Motion on the quests the Labour Govern­A RESOLUTION calling for a earlier this year. Association of Fire Officers and spent on British defence. Only throughout the world, including Common Market which was ment to allow the British ban on the provision of facilities Mrs. Brookstone pointed out the Fire Brigades Union on this week Lord Chalfont had the nuclear forces stationed in also carried dealt with the issue people to decide by referendum in the National Health Services that if any other workers in this subject would take place on made a statement apparently Britain, without, as Sir Alec of a referendum on entry to the for or against membership hospitals for private patients hospitals, other than Consul­ 19th September 1974. Marie Patterson OBE indicating no prospect of a Douglas-Home had admitted, European Economic Commu­ of the European Common was carried by the TUC. tants, such as typists, cleaners In explaining all the pro­ was elected by the substantial reduction of the any consultation at all with the nity. The full terms of the Market before committing the This resolution was moved very or others, were to use the hospi­ cedures involved from the time incoming General British contribution to NATO. British Government. Motion were as follows country within any new negf ably by Mrs. Esther Brookstone tals’ equipment and services for of the receipt of a call to firemen Council as TUC Chair­ It was time, he said, to point out “Congress recognises that tiations with the E.E.C. who led the industrial action private profit they would get actually reaching a person man for 1974/75 to the Government that the The motion was carried. Britain's present membership Congress desires that tit* at the Charing Cross Hospital the sack. trapped in a toxic atmosphere, PAGE TEN FIREFIGHTER/SEPTEMBER 1974

Demanding justice for pensioners NOT EVEN torrential rain All welcomed the pensions could prevent 3,000 pensioners increase introduced by the demonstrating in Brighton on Labour Government but agreed the eve of the TUC in demand that much more would have to of a better deal. be done for our senior citizens to win for them the standard of And their laudable efforts living they deserve. were, as our picture shows, firmly supported by the trade What was also realised was union leaders such as Len Mur­ that unless we get the return of ray, general secretary of the a majority Labour Government TU C , our own general secre­ there will be no real advances tary Terry Parry, engineers for the ordinary people of this leader Hugh Scanlon, and Jack country — whether young or Jones of the transport workers. old. DURING the Festival of Lewes so well received that the Greater in July the members of the London Council is making Lewes Fire Station, East Sussex, arrangements to bring the band played hosts for the first time back next Spring to play in the NEW TUC LEADERS to their counterparts from their Easter Parade. French and German twinned To both groups of visitors the RETIRED from General Council at this year's Congress:— towns of Blois and Waldshut. Lewes firemen presented comme­ George Doughty Amalgamated Union of Engineering Work­ Eight professional firemen, morative shields which they had ers—Technical & Supervisory Section led by Lt. Colonel Pennanech, designed and made themselves. Ted Britton National Union of Teachers and their wives were enter­ The pictures show FBU mem­ ‘Dixie’ Howell Transport & General Workers Union tained in the homes of the ber ADO Tom Brown, Officer- Lewes men for their stay. in-charge of Lewes, presenting a NEW MEMBERS of General Council elected at 1974 Congress:— A fortnight later the town shield to the Waldshut Band Ken Gill AUEW—TASS was beseiged by the 70 strong Leader, Herr Walter Hederer, in Clive Jenkins Association of Scientific Technical & Waldshut Fire Brigade Band the company of the Mayor of Managerial Staffs Administration and about 50 of their supporters. Lewes, Cllr. Bill Fuller, FBU Fred Jarvis NUT Having “oom-parred" through Regional Chairman, No. 12 Jim Slater National Union of Seamen Lewes virtually non-stop for a Region. Stan Pemberton TGWU weekend, the Germans spent the following three days sightseeing IN GROUP 16—Public Employees—where there was no contest:— in London which included visits Terry Parry FBU to the Fire Stations of Clapham, MAC IS BACK Alan Fisher National Union of Public Employees Paddington and Shoreditch. NATIONAL OFFICER John Geoffrey Drain National & Local Government Officers' Whilst in London the bank MacDonald has now returned Association gave a concert in the Festival to work fully recovered after a were re-elected to the General Council. Gardens Battersea, which was short illness and a little rest. FIREFIGHTER/SEPTEMBER 1974 PAGE ELEVEN

Picture: Keystone Press HOW TO PREVENT ANOTHER SUMMERLAND DISASTER By TERRY PARRY

LORD JUSTICE CANLEY in his the outset of designing a building of allied safety matters inclusive of the report on the tragic Summerland this kind, for that person to be named, growth and development of fire and Entertainments Complex fire in the to take the major decisions and to be the effect of fire on structures. Isle of Man, where fifty people lost known to be taking those decisions. • Secondly There should be firm, their lives, makes a series of recom­ The alternative, as is so often the close liaison from the commencement mendations which appear to the Union case, is of the right hand not knowing of a project right through until occu­ to be comments of generally sound what the left hand is doing. pancy between — Fire Officers, — common sense. Picking out the lessons to be learned Architects — Building Surveyors — The important thing to happen now from the report, it would seem that: Planners and all other interested par- is that these recommendations are put • Firstly There should be a great deal ties. into practice. more instructions for practising Failure to do this can only lead to The report indicates the vital impor­ Architects on the requirements for further similar tragedies as Summer- tance of someone being in charge from means of escape in case of fire an all land in the future. PAGE TWELVE FIREFIGHTER/SEPTEMBER 1974

The Editor, Firefighter, 5 9 Fulham High St., LONDON SW6. Fir e A w a y YOUR LETTERS TO THE EDITOR All correspondence must be signed with name and address. Politics are part of life I SHOULD like to reply to the been inflicted on trade union who have all protested in the by the military government on letter from Bro. A. Carter of funds through the use of politi­ strongest possible terms about trade unionists. Responsible Swindon in the July-August edi­ cally motivated legislation. this action by the British Gov­ trade unionists have been tion of Firefighter and headed All trade unionists worthy of ernment. imprisoned without trial and Keep out o f Politics. Bro. Car­ the name have been opposed to The International Transport there have been tortures and ter states in his letter that he has this kind of legislation, imposed Workers’ Federation, which shootings. been a member of the Trade by whatever label of govern­ represents six million members, The T.G.W.U. statement Union Movement for twenty- ment, and have thus of necessity is in September 1974, organising adds that “The boycott action is one years, and one would won­ become involved in political a two day boycott of all trans­ intended to be a clear warning to der where he has been in all of actions. port to and from Chile as a form the military government to that time. Bro. Carter, in the last para­ of protest against the terrible restore trade union rights in Politics are a part of life and graph of his wide ranging letter, treatment being meted out Chile or face much stronger therefore must be a part of turns from domestic to interna­ to trade unionists by the self- action by trade unionists the Trade Union Movement, tional matters and in effect con­ appointed military government throughout the world” . and Bro. Carter is out of touch demns the President of our own there which overthrew the with reality when he says that trade union, Bro. Enoch Hum­ democratically elected govern­ Bro. Carter may have held a the Union should keep out of phries, for joining in a protest ment of Chile. trade union card for 21 years, politics. Successive govern­ against the supply by Britain of Bro. Jack Jones, General but he has yet to learn that the ments have tried by political warships to Chile. Secretary of the T.G.W .U., has brotherhood of the trade union means to shackle the legitimate The President was in fact act­ urged his members to give 100 movement extends to all trade aims of the Trade Union ing in the best humanitarian per cent backing to this 48-hour unionists of whatever national­ Movement. traditions of the British trade international boycott and the ity and not only to those of one Dockers’ leaders have been union movement, along with the action is based on the undeni­ country or one trade union. sent to prison, building workers’ British T.U.C., the Scottish able evidence from trade pickets have suffered the same T.U.C., and countless trades unionists in South America on BILL KNIGHT fate, and grievous fines have councils throughout the land the terrible repression imposed Aberdeen Arming Chile fascists—Enoch right to protest I DON’T KNOW if Bro. A. — there would be something delegation protesting about the who fought in the war against Carter of Swindon who had a peculiar if it was. supplying of warships to the Fascism. letter in the July Firefighter on I don’t know if Bro. Carter is Fascist Chile Junta, not only Quite apart from views on the Chile Protest was around a socialist and I don’t particu­ was he carrying out Executive socialism, the military junta in during the Second World War larly want to know. Council policy, but he was Chile are fascist and as such or not. What I do know is, that when speaking for me and I daresay, should receive no help of any He says the Union member­ the President, Bro. Enoch for at least every other one of kind, least of all arms. ship is not 100 per cent socialist Humphries, was part of a our members and ex-members Frank Williams, West Midlands. Firemen’s equipment appalling AT A RECENT meeting with tal should be injected into con­ main radio equipment is appal­ made out properly and a Home Office officials I was tracts by the Home Office so ling. As the director of one Brigade does its own market appalled to hear the technical that the supplier finds it worth­ company told me “ Well you get research, just so long as our arguments against the intrinsic while to meet our needs. what you pay for.” pleas do not fall on deaf ears. safety of pocket alerters and Incidentally, the standard of The point is we can afford walkie-talkies. British made walkie-talkies and better equipment if a case is Charles Clisby Here we are in 1974 and still the problem has not been sol­ ved. Firemen all over the coun­ try have pocket alerters on WE HAVE been in contact their person which will ignite with so many old friends and flammable gas and an even Riot damages met a lot of new friends during more serious risk arises in the our visit to England and Scot­ case of walkie-talkies. I WOULD like to show my from the hospital during my land that it would be very dif­ Let us hope one day that the gratitude to the FBU and their stay there and also those ficult to thank all these people Home Office will stop issuing Brothers who visited me. personally for their hospitality legal department for their action towards us. “ police" equipment “ off the on my behalf in gaining com­ Bro. J. Hunt, shelf" and start designing Belfast. We would therefore like to pensation for injuries received thank them all through the col­ equipment which meets the as the result of a riot during July needs of the British fire service. umns of the Firefighter. 1973. (Bro. Hunt recovered £250 Ejgil Nielson and INJECT CAPITAL Also I would like to thank the after boiling diesel oil and Otto Andersen, Copenhagen. Certainly we are a poor Belfast Fire Brigade personnel steam scalded his face and eyes marker for suppliers, but capi- for transporting my wife to and in a fire started by rioters). FIREFIGHTER/SEPTEMBER 1974 PAGE THIRTEEN Drill book under review THE CENTRAL Fire Brigades Advisory Council has set up a Working Party to review the Fire Service Drill Book. Last The first meeting of the Committee took place during the first week in September. horse The Union’s representatives on the Working Party are to be Bros. Wilf Barber, Executive laugh Council member for No. 9 Reg­ ion, and Len Gibbs, Surrey Brigade Secretary. on Ken Brother Barber was a member of the Union’s Drill KEN WICKHAM, our Execu­ Book Sub-Committee in tive Council member for the 1964/65 which resulted in the Southern Region, was once a introduction of the Everest blacksmith. Ken spent five Safety Device. years at that trade and shod a Len Gibbs is a Station lot of horses of all shapes, Officer at the Surrey Training sizes and temperaments. School at Reigate. The legend has it that a business-like brandish of his claw-hammer instantly Doreen Oakes wears a Warwickshire cap. tamed the most fierce of steeds — no tooth marks prove it. Retribution at last — whilst New uniforms — on holiday recently a Dart­ moor pony crept up on the unsuspecting ex-blacksmith Hurry! Hurry! and firmly planted his lower

By RAY KILBURN ble for work in the Fire Service. and upper choppers in Ken's This is to be circulated to side, brought them sharply THE FINAL specification on Brigades. together in a good bite and the Nomex Fire Tunic has now The Uniform Committee are cantered off — laughing we been agreed and is to be pub­ proposing firemen’s helmets assume. lished to Fire Authorities — should be coloured yellow. The Who says there is no Brigade Committees should be proposal is being conveyed to horses Valhalla! — or in other making application for the early Brigades. words a blacksmith without a issue of this modern style fire There is a difficult situation claw-hammer is like a sailor tunic. at present with regard to the without a knife — or some­ There is to be a review of the supply of uniforms due to thing even worse. uniform design for women recruitment for the 48 hour Clear Round, members of Control Room week. The Home Office has in Hickstead. Staff— what is being looked for fact been trying to help a is a fasionable but more com­ number of Brigades to obtain fortable uniform. supplies. CHAIRMAN Changes in a “softer neck­ This has involved issuing a line” for the shirt/blouse have lot of the old style tunics. How­ John is ARTHUR been asked for. Samples of a ever, whilst recognising these new style cap known as the stop-gap measures are neces­ new CFO BROTHER Arthur Lay, “Warwickshire” cap are to be sary in the present situation, Union Branch Chairman at supplied to Regions for our Brigade Committees should Fence Houses, Co. Durham, women members to pass their still lose no time making the JOHN HINNIGAN, former was recently elected as Chair­ views on. earliest arrangements to get the Deputy Chief Fire Officer of man of Burnmoor Parish A new specification has been new Nomex Fire Tunic issued Blackburn, has been appointed Council. agreed for rubber boots suita- in their Brigades. as the new Chief Fire Officer of Brother Lay has long been the Isle of Man. active in the local Labour Party Mr. Hinnigan joined the Fire and for the previous year he Safety campaign launched Brigade at Blackburn in 1957 was Vice Chairman of the NATIONAL fire prevention Advisory Councils, will con­ and later transferred to Lanca­ Parish Council. He was also for publicity campaigns, relying centrate in turn on a hazard fea­ shire County. After a spell as a some time Secretary of the mainly on television advertis­ tured in the handbook “ Danger Station Officer at Exeter he ward Labour Party. ing, are to be promoted in Eng­ from fire.” returned to Blackburn as Third Writing to tell us of his elec­ land and Wales during the next The subject of the first cam­ Officer. tion he says — “ I feel that I few years. paign will be children playing On 1st April 1974 he was must take this opportunity of Each annual campaign, with matches. The television appointed Deputy Divisional thanking you for all the help I launched on the recommenda­ adverts will be broadcast dur­ Commander of “ D " Division have received from the Union tion of the Joint Information ing January and February 1975. Lancashire Fire Brigade. in the past, particularly at elec­ Sub-Committee of the Joint Fire authorities will be sup­ The Union offers Mr. Hin­ tion times and I can assure you Fire Prevention Committee of plied with special posters for nigan its congratulations on his that in my book, the Fire the Central Fire Brigades use in the supporting activities. appointment. Brigades Union is the tops. PAGE FOURTEEN FIREFIGHTER/SEPTEMBER 1974 Phase out ‘archaic’ Fighting residential duties Chile THE 1973 Officers Pay be reduced to 72 hours a week future promotion chances of Agreement included an agree­ and “desk" hours contained to young officers when the only ment to set up a working party normal administrative hours way to being a Senior Officer is Killers to consider the effect of the 48 around 40 a week. by way of the Residential Duty hour week on the Officers' The Residential Duty Sys­ System — the other choice is THE MURDER of Chile’s Residential Duty System. tem was discussed by both the service “tied” accommoda­ democratically elected Presi­ O.N.C. and the Executive tion, the millstone of past gen­ dent Allende was remembered The Officers National Council in some depth and the erations which we have strug­ by the European Trade Union Committee of the Union and conclusion reached that the gled to get rid of for years. Confederation which expres­ the Executive Council have system is really now archaic Lower the hours now. sed solidarity with the Chilean considered this matter and and should be phased out over Contain the “desk” hours. reached the conclusion that the people on September 11th — a the next few years. Phase out the Residential year after Allende’s death. immediate aim should be for The price of house property System and keep promotion the Residential Duty System to The ETUC, membership 35 today virtually restricts the open to all. million, to which Bro. Terry Parry is deputy delegate from the British TUC, appealed to all European workers and all governments to take part in a Parry on Union prevents wide movement of solidarity. “ One year ago,” said the appeal “the constitutional social rules President of the Republic of re-organisation Chile, S. Allende, died heroi­ THE UNION have asked the cally while defending, against Home Office to arrange discus­ the coup d’etat of a fasist milit­ sions between the appropriate ary junta, the institutions and parts of the Fire Service being bedlam the government the Chilean administration and the Service people had freely given itself. representative organisations on “The Chilean working class the question of the social rules, By HARRY HYMAN monumental load of extra work paid a very high tribute on that particularly when off duty as EVERY REGION throughout we took on board. day and has, since then, been apply at the Fire Service Staff the Union has in the very The results may not be suffering arbitrary arrests, tor­ and Technical Colleges. recent past been very heavily earth-shaking but at least they ture and assassinations. A copy of the letter to Mr. committed in the 1st April 1974 prove it was worthwhile raising “ For one year now, the Ralph Shuffrey, the Principal re-organisation of the Fire Ser­ the matter. Chilean people has been endur­ Official at the Home Office, is vice in England and Wales. In Nottingham City the ing merciless repression and set out below. In fact I would go so far as to Chief Officer compensated the has been fighting courageously say that without the efforts of two senior Union officials with and heroically to recover its “ Dear Mr. Shuffrey, the Union re-organisation extra leave for the time they basic civic, democratic and Social Rules at Fire Service Staff would have had all the hall­ had given to re-organisation. trade union rights. and Technical Colleges marks of bedlam. As it is, there Nottingham and Notting­ Inhuman The Executive Council of are still large chunks to be hamshire provided free trans­ “The trade union organisa­ the Union have received rep­ sorted out, but at least all the 54 port and meals, Lincolnshire tions affiliated to the European resentations to the effect that new Fire Brigades are estab­ and Northamptonshire pro­ Trade Union Confederation many of our members consider lished and in business. vided free transport and reim­ cannot accept that the fascist the social rules, particularly in In the East Midland Region bursed subsistence. system go on, by way of mas­ regard to dress when off duty at we approached the Fire The Region to date is well on sive repression, tortures and the weekend, are unnecessarily Authorities asking for some the way to recruiting up for the assassinations reducing the strict at the Fire Service Staff tangible recognition of the 48 hour week. Roll on Chilean people to inhuman and Technical Training Col­ Union and the officials for the November 8th. slavery. leges. “These trade union organi­ Rather than raise individual sations are going to support by items either with the Home Pressurised workings: TUC welcome move means and concrete actions the Office, the Commandants or fight and the resistance of the indeed on the College Board, THE TUC Social Insurance The TUC will appoint one and Industrial Welfare Com­ representative from the Indus­ Chilean working class and its we feel the better and much trade union organisation of the more impersonal way of having mittee at its last meeting wel­ trial Welfare Department at comed the decision of the Gov­ Congress House and have CUT in order that they recover a modern look at these rules ernment to broaden the com­ invited the Trade Union group their elementary human and would be to have at first an trade union rights and Chile informal discussion at Home position of the Working Party in Civil Engineering to nomi­ on Fire Service involvement in nate the second member. may be again a country in Office level including of course which justice, freedom and the Commandants of the Col­ pressurised workings to The Fire Brigades Union will include representatives of the be represented by the President national independance pre­ lege. vail.” It might be that such a dis­ TUC and the CBI. and General Secretary. cussion could resolve all the matters we or anyone else might wish to raise. Alterna­ Death of Terry Owen DEDUCTIONS tively, it could result in produc­ IT IS with deep regret that we from the Chief Fire Officer to AT SOURCE ing a more limited agenda of report the death of Retained firemen acting as bearers and unresolved matters which then Fireman Terry Owen of Shrop­ guard of honour. The fire MEMBERS are reminded that might have to be raised with the shire who was the victim Brigades Union was rep­ when transferring to a new College Board. of a fatal car crash. He leaves resented by Brigade Secretary Brigade (not on re­ Perhaps arrangements could a wife and four children. Nick Morris. organisation) they should give be made at a suitable time in the Less than a week prior to his In lieu of flowers a collection fresh instructions to the new near future for such a discus­ death he had helped free a was made for the NFSBF. We Brigade for their Union con­ sion. driver trapped in the cab of a are sure that all members of the tributions to be deducted from Yours sincerely, lorry. Fire Brigades Union send our their pay. Forms can be Terence Parry, His funeral was attended by deepest sympathies to Mrs. obtained from Brigade Mem­ General Secretary.” about 30 uniformed firemen Owen and family. bership Secretaries. FIREFIGHTER/SEPTEMBER 1974 PAGE FIFTEEN Barrad Crest injuries: UNION LODGES LEGAL CLAIM ON OCTOBER 5th 1973 there was an explosion and fire on the 1500 tons Lebanese motor vessel “Barrad Crest” at Plymouth. Firemen from Devon Fire Brigade were on board the ves­ sel at the time and several of them were injured — five of them quite seriously, and one in fact is still attending hospital as outpatient. All five are Union members. The “ Barrad Crest” had been on fire at sea since around 9 o’clock on the evening of 4th October, 1973, the day previ­ ous to the explosion, and was in fact notified as on fire when arriving at Plymouth. The Union are naturally rep­ resenting the interests of our injured members and a confer­ ence with the firemen and the Union’s lawyers took place in August. Legal claims have now been formally lodged on behalf of the members, Brothers Johnson, Dove, Marner, Rogers and Ince, all of the Devon Fire Brigade and serving in Plymouth. Grants available to Safety Act study workers’ gets Royal participation WORKER participation, and anyone to pursue a subject of adventure and exploration, are their choice — if they can con­ thumbs up two of the subjects for which vince the selectors of the worth you can apply for a grant for a of their project. ROYAL ASSENT was given travelling fellowship from the Interviews will be held in nine members, three after con­ Winston Churchill Memorial London in January 1975 and to the new Health and Safety at sultation with the TUC and Trust next year. successful candidates will be Work Act on July 31st, 1974. similarly three after consulta­ The main provisions of the All expenses are paid for two expected to start their travels tion with the CBI and up to or three months’ travel over­ during that year. Act are: three independent members, seas. There are no special qual­ A leaflet and form will be • one comprehensive and one of them likely to represent integrated system of law Local Authorities. ifications, no age limit — any sent if you send your name and dealing with the health and In January 1975 the Execu­ UK citizen is eligible. address on a postcard before safety of all people at work. Apart from worker participa­ November 1 to The Winston tive will be formed — the staffs tion (particularly welcome are Churchill Memorial Trust, 15 • protection for members of of the existing Government the public where they may safety inspectors will then be candidates from the shop-floor) Queen’s Gate Terrace, Lon­ be affected by the activities transferred to the Executive — there is an open category for don SW7. of people at work. a 50 per cent increase in staff is • setting up a Health and envisaged. Safety Commission and an The new general obligations Executive responsible to of the Act will come into force Boost to single parents Ministers for administering at April 1st, 1975. The current SINGLE PARENTS under 18 plementary benefit in their owr. the legislation, and provid­ health and safety legislation are to get a supplementary right who are not householders ing a focus and centre of will remain in existence after benefit increase. The change should automatically receive initiative for health and April 1st, 1975 until progres­ will benefit about 3,000 people. the full adult non-householder safety at work matters. sively repealed and replaced by scale rate), will soon be The Health and Safety improved and updated regula­ A recommendation by the implemented said Minister of Commission will be set up in tions made under the new Act, Finer Committee on One- State for Social Services, Brian October 1974 and consist of a and by approved codes of prac­ Parent Families (that single O’Malley, in Parliament last fulltime Chairman and up to tice. parents under 18 receiving sup- month. PAGE SIXTEEN FIREFIGHTER/SEPTEMBER 1974 INSIDE Pages 7-10 TUC report Page 2 Page 11 Summerland conclusions Full Paae 12 Letters report Paae 13 The Warwick cap Page 4 of Page 14 Archaic residential progress system at the Page 15 Barrad Crest claim NJC meeting Page 6 The pressures in Northern Ireland

Page_5 Manning crisis The Sheriff of Nottingham shows off his mace BRITAIN NEEDS A MAJORITY LATE NEWS LABOUR GOVERNMENT SINCE MARCH of this year the minority Labour Government have acted on:— • Housing and Rates • Pensions • Industrial Relations Bill Kerr, pictured above, of Tyne- • Pay Board Wear has been elected chairman of our Officers National Committee. • Prices and Consumer Protection OBITUARIES • The Common Market IT IS with deep regret that we report the recent passing of two • Equal Rights for Women ex-Executive Council members, Bro. Angus Beats and Bro. Dave Labour remained loyal to its manifesto pledges Ingram. and will do so again. Angus Beats of Glasgow served as the Scottish EC The Executive Council of the Union have no member from 1948 until 1958 hesitation in saying and from 1949 until 1958 he was also the union's National Treas­ urer. Dave Ingram of Bournemouth represented the No. 13 District on the Executive Council from VOTE LABOUR OCT. 10 1949 until 1961.

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