Firefighter Vol. 8 No. 4 Pay talks start

July, 1968 on the NJC Journal of the Fire Brigades Union Employers get our Conference decisions The General Secretary has told the employers that the bonus shift for the Fire Service has no relativity to a pay rise—“larger bonus for more hours is not a pay increase” he said. “The fact is that since August, 1965 firemen have only had a 7½% pay increase and it is time they had some more”. Pay and the other items agreed at the Annual Conference were tabled for the National Joint Coun­ General Secretary Terry Parry: Time firemen had more pay. cil meeting on 24th July. The General Secretary’s letter to Mr. Griffiths, the Employers’ Secretary, reads: “Following my Union’s recent Annual Conference General I am instructed to write to you indicating that we would wish the following items to be placed on the Secretary agenda of the next meeting of the NJC. (i) A claim by the Union for a new pay formula for firemen, linking their pay with the average This horse-drawn steamer crewed by walrus moustachioed lads from the acts on local brigade added considerably to the TU parade. The “old-timer” perched weekly earnings of all males. up in the centre of the appliance is our Manchester area secretary, Jack Haworth. (ii) Improved overtime arrangements—both casual Conference and pre-determined overtime. (iii) The 28 day qualifying period to be removed The Union plays its part in resolutions from the acting up arrangements. (iv) Removal of prohibition of outside employ­ TUC centenary celebrations ment. ANNUAL CONFERENCE (v) To consider the effect of the Prices and In­ decisions on various fire ser­ HE Fire Brigades Union played a full vice procedures have been comes Board report No. 44 on the Fire Service. T part in the TUC Centenary Cele­ listed by the General Secretary In addition to these matters which were discussed brations in Manchester on Saturday, 1st June. in a letter to Mr. David at our Annual Conference I am also to ask you to The day started with the unveiling by the Ennals, MP, Parliamentary President of Congress, Lord Lewis Wright, Secretary of State at the Home have placed on the agenda, following the last meeting of a plaque on the wall of the College of Office and Chairman of the of my Executive Council, the abolition of the 24/24 Commerce where the first meeting of Central Fire Brigades Advis­ duty system from the Duty Systems Agreement.” Congress had taken place in 1868. The ory Council. These matters received more detailed discussion President and General Secretary represented The letter read: “Following the the Union at this function. recent Annual Conference of my by the executive committee of the National Joint For the rest of the day there was a pro­ Union there are a number of Council. On the main issue our Executive Council cession of union floats through the streets matters which I have been are quite adamant that the bonus shift cannot be of Manchester parading past the official instructed to raise with the Central counted as a pay increase. “platform” at Belle Vue Pleasure Gardens Fire Brigades Advisory Council. about 4.30 in the afternoon. The base used “These are— by the official party—consisting of the Prime (i) The practice of men of fire­ Minister, the President, General Secretary man rank riding as officer in and Assistant General Secretary of Congress charge of fire appliances should ● Gen. Sec. acts —was the platform of the snorkel of the cease. This is not a very wide­ Resolutions Manchester City Fire Brigade. spread practice, but a few brigades (v) Dimmed headlights should rather than promote sufficient be compulsory on all Fire Service The parade past, the “platform” was ranks, consistently operate this vehicles. raised to about sixty feet to allow the official practice despite representations (vi) Fire appliances should be for TUC party to have a good look over all of Belle from the Union. given the Ministry of Transport Vue and the Longsight area of Manchester, road test annually. THESE resolutions have been sub­ (ii) The wearing of breathing (vii) All new Fire Service mitted for the Trades Union while the many thousands who had turned Congress being held in September. out for the celebrations had a good look at apparatus in the Fire Service drivers should be submitted to a should be on a voluntary basis for Ministry of Transport driving test. No. 1 — Incomes Policy: the Prime Minister and the TUC leaders. men over the age of 45 years. “Conference, in opposing the Earlier in the afternoon a mass meeting (viii) Hook ladders in the Fire (iii) There should be a national Service should be replaced by roof Government's incomes policy, had taken place in the Kings Hall, Belle Vue, ladders. draws special attention to the which had been presented as a narrative of evacuation warning signal insti­ position of those workers in ser­ tuted as soon as possible. (ix) There should be a special vices and industries who are ex­ the TUC’s history, accompanied by mass manual of first aid compiled for cluded from any form of payment brass bands and male voice choirs. The finale (iv) Breathing apparatus warn­ the Fire Service, confining the by results or other forms of was an almost continuous procession through ing devices should be standard subject matter to the normal productivity and bonus schemes the arena of children dressed as the workers throughout the Fire Service. practical first aid measures re­ and therefore are also excluded The Prime Minister, George Woodcock and Lord of every industry and service. quired by firemen in the course from any benefits from wage drift. of their duties. Conference considers that the Lewis Wright (TUC President) get a bird’s eye view Speedway racing, a fireworks display and continued next col. ● pay of such workers should be from the platform of the Snorkel. a grand dance rounded off the day. (x) The sub officers’ written based on comparability with wage Right: Some cake. The outsize centenary “birth­ examination should have same earnings rather than wage rates.” day cake” with Harry Mortimer conducting the referral arrangements as has the massed bands. station officers’ written examina­ No. 2 — Unemployment Benefits: Photos: The Guardian tion. “Conference considers that pay­ (xi) The Home Office should ment of benefit as a right is a basic not permit any further amalga­ principle of national insurance and calls on the Minister of Social “CREATED and sustained by auto­ mation of fire brigades pending Security to reject the proposals nomous trade unions to serve their the publication of the Holroyd made in the report of the National common national interest and pre­ Report. Insurance Advisory Committee that “I have listed all these items in unemployment benefit should be cluded by its nature from the exercise one letter to you, but obviously abated for those who. although of executive power, the TUC has each point is a separate reference. they satisfy the conditions for been compelled, in order to perform I would be glad if arrangements benefit, are in receipt of occupa­ the tasks which unions have placed tional pensions above a certain could be made for these issues to level.” upon it, to develop an unequalled be discussed with the Union either capacity for leadership by consent." at the Home Office or referred to the appropriate sub committees of The resolution on the incomes Extract from foreword of the “History of policy has also been submitted the Advisory Council. (signed) for inclusion on the agenda of the T.U.C. 1868 - 1968. Terence Parry (General the Annual Conference of the Secretary)”. Labour Party. 2 FIREFIGHTER JULY, 1968 How a progressive Welsh brigade is tackling fire prevention

Following Bro. Riddell’s article in the February issue of Firefighter on the pilot scheme the Kent Fire Brigade was carrying out in conjunction with the Home Office and other brigades, we received the fol­ Line-up of the pupils and teachers at the Districts 4, 5 and 6 school in Scarborough. Centre is our President, Bro. lowing very interesting report from Bro. R. Parry, Enoch Humphries, flanked by John Mendleson MP and Mrs. our Carmarthenshire and Cardiganshire Area Elsie Pogson, the only firewoman present. On the extreme Secretary. School was a combined op left is Bro. George Wood, No. 4 District Education Officer. It will be observed that the operational personnel Executive Councillor Harry Hyman, fourth from left back row, chaired the school. at every station in the brigade is involved, including IN FUTURE YEARS when we turn our minds back to 1968 and the the part-time personnel. were likely to affect future negotiations. There followed a lively The scheme has been improved since it was first 50th birthday of the FBU, we shall all, no doubt, have some outstanding discussion in which students probed for solutions and by evening they event or anecdote that, in the company of “beer and baccy”, will be were able to take dinner with the knowledge of a very satisfactory introduced in 1961. Several methods of inspecting recalled, to the embarrassment of the few, the amusement of the many, Saturday session. having been tried out with the current method with relish, humour, and questionable authenticity. Many of these Sunday saw the Rt. Hon. John Mendleson, MP for Penistone, proving the most satisfactory. parables will have their origin in the combined districts schools held explaining the history behind the present economic position, how and This example of the better use of firemen is worthy every year in various parts of the country. why the Government’s policies have been formed, and many of the of further study in those areas who have not moved Trade union schools have an atmosphere of their own. They are alternative policies that had been studied, shelved, or discarded. As on from the mop and bucket stage. often reputed to provide the best in tutors, students, and accommodation; the Saturday, students were encouraged to participate in constructive Fire Brigades Union schools are no exception and this year's Nos. 4, 5 criticism. and 6 Districts School attracted no fewer than 36 students. Before EC member Harry Hyman closed the school, he thanked Chaired by EC member H. Hyman, the Saturday session was opened the students for their interest and congratulated them on the high IN 1961 all brigade personnel, brigade headquarters for statistical by the President, E. Humphries. In the course of the afternoon he standard of discussion. All agreed it had been a good school. We whole-time and part-time, were purposes. dealt uncompromisingly with the problems of branch administration and shall certainly return to Scarborough again. asked to support a national fire To support the campaign, two district responsibility; later, a thorough and enlightening account of prevention campaign by inspect­ mobile display units, converted problems that have faced the Union, how they had affected the way G. A. WOOD ing private houses during a fire water tenders which have outlived decisions had been reached on pay and hours, and how these problems No. 4 District Education Officer prevention week. This went on their usefulness as fire appliances, until 1964, when it was decided are taken to the areas where to carry out this important service inspections are taking place and to the community throughout the householders are invited to view year. Up to the end of 1967, these. The display units, which Timely warning Champion of rights Exeter 20,073 private houses had been depict the various defects found inspected and householders ad­ in domestic premises, were also vised of 37,234 defects, each of made by brigade personnel. to retained fireguard which could have resulted in an All brigade appliances are on and liberties outbreak of fire or an accident by call by wireless during "home drivers fire. inspection” duties. I HAVE HAD the privilege to be the publicising of the Universal campaign To instruct personnel in the pro­ The work is considered to be a a member of the EC of the Declaration of Human Rights cedure to be adopted and the positive step in attempting to A TIMELY WARNING to fire­ reduce the fatalities, fires and men drivers was made by area National Council for Civil Liber­ Article I “ALL HUMAN BEINGS AT THE last meeting of the No. points to be looked for during the ties for the past three years and ARE BORN FREE AND EQUAL 14 District Committee discussion inspections, a tape recorded lec­ accidents in the home and has been secretary Bro. E. A. Coleman highly commended by the public. at the 5th annual meeting of along with all other members of IN DIGNITY AND RIGHTS”. took place on the National Fire­ ture and supporting slides, show­ the Council’s EC I am taking this guard Campaign and members ing the defects to be found in Northamptonshire’s retained mem­ The Executive report for domestic premises, have been pro­ bers held at Brigade HQ, Kettering, opportunity of drawing your atten­ were pleased to hear that in Exeter tion to the work of the NCCL 1967/68 is outstanding in its form duced by members of the brigade. on Sunday 7th April. of presentation and its contents the Chief Officer, Mr. D. G. Varn­ which takes on a new perspective field, had agreed to give his full “It makes no difference whether in what is to be known as "Human are clearly the work of dedicated the appliance is attending an support to the Union’s Area Commendations Rights Year”. men and women. I commend it Simple faults emergency or not. We are per­ to every member of our Union, Committee in their efforts to bring The United Nations General this very important matter to the forming a service to the public the price is 2/6d. and anyone who These indicate that the faults to for and must see that the appliance Assembly designated 1968 Inter­ purchases it will certainly find notice of local authority. national Year for Human Rights. be looked for are simple, thought­ arrives,” he said. something in it that will interest Mr. Varnfield has informed the less acts or omissions, which cause men of Kent His warning that the day would For us in Britain the campaign them. Union that he has raised the will focus on:— discrimination so many fires and accidents by surely come when a driver con­ question with the Exeter Home burning in domestic premises. For against women, racial minorities, The trade union movement, both Safety Committee where it was UNION MEMBERS, Firemen victed for disobeying road signs example—temporary electric wir­ H. Myers and R. F. Boulst­ would find himself paying for his rights in dependent territories and collectively and individually, must discussed at some length. It was associate themselves with the ing under the carpets, faulty elec­ ridge, of the Kent Brigade, own defence, was certainly timely, then resolved that a recommen­ tric plugs and socket outlets, work of the NCCL. So much dation be made to the City Council recently received commenda­ as our reports on Annual Con­ clothes hanging on lines over open tions from the Queen for ference showed. depends on our ability to defend for consideration to be given for our own liberties and the liberty fireplaces and other heating appli­ attempting to rescue a woman A full report of the 3½-hour the installation of fireguards in all ances, the absence of a suitable of others. new and modernised council at Strood last November. meeting between retained represen­ TUC re-shuffle fire-guard, etc. Bros. Myers and Boulstridge tatives, area officials and the Chief dwelling houses. The remedy for these and many Let 1968 truly be the year when The No. 14 District Committee had previously been com­ Officer showed that many of the will give human rights triumphed over dis­ other faults are a matter of com­ mended by the fire authority subjects discussed had been con­ crimination, exploitation a n d wish the Exeter Area Committee monsense, but the results of the and the Chief Officer all success for outstanding courage during troversial. It was felt, however, privilege. inspections show that the danger the rescue attempts. that it had proved the right and public employees in their efforts to cut down the R. B. Bagley. is not always appreciated by the ability of the FBU to represent terrible toll of suffering caused by householder. retained firemen to the full. more say National Officer. unguarded fires in the home. Several methods of inspection Bro. Jack Ridout, No. 6 District have been tried, but the one at Vice Chairman, reminded delegates THIS YEAR'S Trades Union Con­ present adopted is considered the of the various educational corres­ gress will be asked to consider most satisfactory. The procedure pondence courses open to retained changes in the group representa­ LFB member's is as follows:— members, and invited interested tion on which the number of seats A team of six men, working in members to contact the area on the General Council is based. pairs, visit the district to be secretary or himself for further This group system is intended to inspected taking with them a sup­ gallantry details. produce a general council which ply of the following:— A vote of thanks was recorded will fairly reflect not only the in­ (1) An inspection sheet. (This to the Area Secretary and the Chair­ terests of the trade union move­ shows the seven common defects man, Bro. F. W. Coleman, for the ment as a whole, but also the in­ in the home and has a space recognised hard work they had put in and for terests of different categories of alongside each one to record the the many hours spent visiting workers. defects found). BRO. TERENCE DAVENPORT retained branches in the area. (2) A letter from the chief offi­ of the London Fire Brigade has Bro. Bob Bagley, National The current proposals would been awarded the British Empire have the effect of reducing the cer, indicating that an inspec­ Officer, said that it was fair to tion has been made and offering Medal for Gallantry for his con­ report that Northamptonshire was number of General Council seats duct when rescuing a child from from three to two in respect of a further inspection. (For use one of the few brigades that did in premises where the occupants a fire at Mayall Road, Brixton, not issue undress uniforms to all both the mining and quarrying last October. Bro. Davenport group and the railways group. were out at the time of the retained firemen. inspection). serves as a fireman at Clapham. Bro. Bagley then covered the Four groups which now cover A t the fire it was impossible to cotton, textiles, clothing and boot (3) A booklet. “Check for fire following points: safety in the home”, which is reach a second floor room from 1. The retained gratuity scheme and shoe trades would be merged into two new groups each having left at all premises. the front of the house.Bro. and the question of income tax. Davenport went through a neigh­ 2. The retained members’ claim one seat. bouring house, dropped out of a at the NJC for an increase in the A completely new group having No records kept window and climbed a drain pipe hourly rate which, he said would one seat is proposed for those to the second floor. be very hard to come by and only unions covering technical engin­ The attention of the occupier is Breaking a window he entered by by sheer determination would eering and scientific trades. drawn to the defects noted during the room which was in darkness any increase be met. It is further proposed that an­ the inspection and a cross recorded smoke-logged and very hot. He 3. The Holroyd Committee and other four groups should have against the appropriate defect crawled across the room, found a the FBU’s submission to it, in­ their representation increased by listed. On completion, the sheet child in a cot and handed it to cluding the question of bigger and one seat; one of these is Group is left with the occupier as a another fireman at the window fewer fire brigades. 16, Public Employees. The Fire reminder of the defects found. No before returning to continue 4. The retained conference held Brigades Union form a part of individual records of the defects searching. in London and the main items dis­ this group and here the proposal is are kept by the brigade personnel, Before the award was made cussed. to increase its representation on but totals in each group are Bro. Davenport had already been E. Goff. the General Council from two to “ Blimey, Fred. This poses a bit of a problem.” recorded on a summary of the commended by the Chief Officer Retained Representative. three seats. inspection forms and returned to of the Brigade for the rescue . JULY, 1968 FIREFIGHTER 3

Members of No. 16 District Committee gather to wish Signing off.... Bro. Harry Sydenham, fourth A quiet, efficient worthy Now serves from right, a happy retirement. FROM TIME to time a member Area Committee for many years retires from the service who is and has attended Annual Confer­ community known to few people outside of ence a number of times. Champion his own station, yet whose con­ Tom has always been proud of tribution to the Union is worthy his union card and even with the associations of note. responsibility of being a sub-officer of retained We have such a member in Bro. has never failed to represent the T. W. Yarnold. He joined the members who elected him. And service in November, 1939, and yet he is the quietest of men, firemen then joined the Union during the speaking only when he thinks it TO MARK the occasion of war (and easily qualifies for the is necessary but always adding to Leading Fireman E. J. Davies’ 25 year badge) and became a the arguments. retirement, friends and colleagues station collector until 1957. In 1950 he was appointed a I, personally, shall miss him for held a presentation supper at his work and for his presence, but Blaenavon on Friday, 17th May. sub-district treasurer, a position he held until now and during I am convinced that one of the Bro. Davies, “Bonnie” to his stones in the foundations of the friends, had completed 28 years in those 18 years he has not lost one penny of the contributions and is Fire Brigades Union is engraved the Blaenavon Fire Brigade, which with his name. he joined in 1940. among the first to make his re­ HARRY WHITAKER whose He did much to reintroduce the Accident fund owes much turns. Eric Northrop benign face had been seen around FBU at Blaenavon after the He has served on the Bradford (Area Secretary) in the Sheffield area, the Yorkshire war and has served as chairman district and Annual Conference for and secretary of the Blaenavon to Harry Sydenham No. 11 DISTRICT REPORT the past 28 years, retired from the branch. service during 1967 and owing to He was particularly concerned WHEN Bro. Harry Sydenham character”; he has been known a series of unforseeable circum­ with the retained men’s retirement attended the April meeting of the actually to chase members around stances failed to get a mention in gratuity. No. 16 District Committee he was the station to get them to attend One minute you’re in, the next you’re out the “Firefighter.” Promoted to the rank of leading presented with a garden sun-bed branch meetings, such was his YET MORE changes in No. 11 firemen for granted, it seems to We correct that omission in this fireman in 1959, Bro. Davies held to mark his retirement from the enthusiasm for the Union. In 1950 District have taken place in me that average firemen tend to issue and are also pleased to tell this position capably and efficiently Union. when the Union decided to back recent months. take the control room staff for you Harry is still full of energy. until his retirement. As a reward Harry joined the London Fire its own accident benefit fund, Bro. Stevens, ‘F’ Area Secretary, granted. He has just been elected un­ for long and efficient service he Brigade in June 1939 and in 1940 Harry worked untiringly to get failed to be re-elected at his Any fire brigade is only as effi­ opposed to the executive council was awarded the Queens Medal in took his first step, as a collector the scheme off the ground and annual general meeting. ‘Steve’ a cient as its mobilising and control, of the National Federation of 1962. at the Peckham branch, in a long some thanks and congratulations staunch and hard working area and without it would soon cease Community Associations. At the supper Councillor A. and notable Union career, during are due to him for the success the secretary and education officer to exist. This means he also becomes a Griffiths, vice chairman of the which he held many offices scheme is today. will be greatly missed. We should spare a thought for member of the Yorkshire area Monmouthshire Fire Brigades including that of Executive Coun­ During the past 18 years, Harry Union positions are a little like the personnel who do this committee of the Community Committee, presented Bro. Davies cil member. has served as a member of the party politics, one minute you extremely difficult and very res­ Associations and no doubt some with a clock on behalf of all the He has built up a reputation, claims sub-committee and has are in. the next moment you are ponsible job. The control room of our Yorkshire officials will be retained personnel at Blaenavon, within London, of being “quite a missed less than a dozen meetings; out. ‘F’ Division is now in the forms the important small hub meeting up with him in some un­ this in itself must be a record capable hands of Bro. M. Rogers, of the big operational wheel; if expected quarters in the near unequalled anywhere when one as area secretary, ably assisted by the hub breaks the wheel falls off! future. realises that the committee meets Bro. Nicholson as chairman. Let us hope that they get better Harry served our members in fortnightly. We now have a very capable recognition and remuneration in Sheffield and the Yorkshire district Fought for 100% membership the future. I would like to thank Harry control room rep. on the district longer than I care to remember. No. 7 DISTRICT members will committee, Bro. George Wells of Bro. Turnbull has been elected He was around in the early days sincerely, on behalf of all members ‘L’ 21 East Ham. George has been education officer in place of ‘Steve’ be interested to hear that an old interest to note that Bro. Smale of the FBU, for the years of work of the last war and I worked with friend of this Union, Bro. F. was at the district meeting when a Union member for 34 years (I and is taking his job very seriously. him on the old No. 2 Regional he has given so willingly, and to should imagine an all time record) He now attends district meetings Smale, known locally as “The our President made his debut. wish him a long and happy retire­ Committee in 1945-6 when I was Brother” retired on pension on Fred Smale joined the Auxiliary having joined the FBU and East complete with mortar board and Northern District Organiser. ment with many pleasant hours in Ham Brigade in 1934. George is gown and the complete set of 25th May. Fire Service in April, 1938, and the garden of his new bungalow. He is a true Yorkshire character, Bro. Smale was responsible for became wholetime in September, a stalwart character with a great Brigade Orders in Latin under his dogged and determined; always the introduction of the FBU into 1939. He served in the Royal Jim Stracey. knowledge of Union affairs, and right arm. The committee are a there when he was wanted, and Herefordshire and was ceaseless Army Corps and Army Fire (No. 16 District Secretary). in spite of his long service and bit suspicious of his motives when our Sheffield members in par­ to get 100 per cent membership, Service from June, 1940, to April, severe handicap caused by a ser­ he storms up and down the com­ ticular will always remember him and woe betide any new recruit 1945. Joined Regional Fire Service vice injury still manages to look mittee rooms wielding a swish and Harold Young who worked who was slow to sign. 1946 and served in the County of ● At Annual Conference tributes younger than the district secretary. cane and wearing his fireboots (it with him throughout his 28 years From 1946 to 1956 the Union Hereford Brigade from 1948-1968. were paid by both the General It is worthy of mention here looks a bit kinky to me). Any­ service as the "Fire Brigades duties he carried out in a thriving We all wish Bro. Smale well in Secretary and Bro. Tom Haston that the conditions and pay of way, he assures us that it is all in Union” in Sheffield. branch were area secretary, collec­ his new post with the county to Bro. Harry Sydenham for the the control room staff leave a lot the cause of education. Bob. Bagley. tor, district delegate, district EC medical health department as a fine services he has rendered the to be desired. As the average mem­ N. H. Green. National Officer. and many other posts. It is of driver of a school dental van. Union. ber of the public takes operational Firefighter Rep. No. 11 District.

FORUM gives readers an opportunity to express their views. The letters do not necessarily represent the policy of the Although not essential for publication, names and addresses of Union, and the Editor reserves the right to curtail exceptionally FORUM contributors must be supplied before a letter can be published. lengthy ones when shortage of space dictates.

As Bro. Shalice is interested in to thank those areas which sub­ The last conference I attended the gall to say that the £15 mini­ present occupations, I am now mitted motions for this year’s as a delegate was at Cardiff in mum wage now advocated as a senior chiropodist of the Borough Jubilee Conference aimed at sup­ 1938, but that conference appears guarantee against poverty, should Injury unrecognised of Southwark. porting our pension values, and to me now to be a small event in apply to male workers only. If a K. Heaton-Ward. for the assurance which both Bro. the history of the Union compared woman is single, landlords and (Out of Trade Member). Horner and Bro. Haston gave to with Blackpool, although, on re­ shopkeepers will charge her the ’till Union intervened conference that everything that flection, it did herald a change in same as a man for food, clothing can be done will be done in this the Union’s leadership. and shelter. If she is a widowed I WISH to record my deep appre­ I am certain that had I con­ matter. I wish you all the success or deserted mother bringing up a ciation and thanks for the assist­ tinued to “battle” on my own, my Bournemouth has As a guest at conference, I was possible in the arduous tasks that family she is almost certainly on ance and help afforded to me by application would not have tremendously encouraged to find lie ahead. the poverty line. Hundreds of the Fire Brigades Union, and reached such a satisfactory settle­ set an example that the major problem of thou­ thousands of the children on the especially Bro. Tom Haston, in ment and would, instead, have L. Ling (Jerry) poverty level are in just such sands of ex-firemen, ex-FBU mem­ O.T. Member obtaining from the Ministry of been deposited in the Ministry’s SO SORRY to note that Bro. bers, is also established in the families. Social Security a settlement on an files. Shalice of Kent (Forum, April) is minds not only of those who are It is surely a reflection on the accident sustained on duty. It has always been my policy unaware of “The Embers” of due shortly to join us but of the trade union movement, among In April, 1941, while I was a that all firemen, irrespective of Bournemouth, who have been youngsters with their careers be­ others, that these forms of dis­ despatch rider in the National Fire rank, should be members of the active over the last five years. We fore them. Give Human Rights crimination are continuing at this Service, I fractured my left leg. At Fire Brigades Union, and, more­ have appeared in print on a num­ By all means let us correspond present time over, that they should on retire­ that time it was recorded as a “due ber of occasions in “Firefighter” and keep in touch on an area, dis­ Year our backing Bill Knight to service” injury. Subsequently I ment transfer to the Out of Trade and it is only three years ago that trict and national basis. This is Aberdeen began to suffer pain in the left Section; my own case has proved an article appeared under my what Bournemouth has long been knee which was diagnosed as that only by membership of the name urging retired firemen to recommending. Many of us, up osteo-arthritis and this eventually FBU can wrongs be proved as remain organised not only for and down the country, fought IT IS IMPORTANT that in led to my discharge from the rights. “old times sake”, not only for good hard together and can take justifi­ Human Rights Year we, in the A job that has London Fire Brigade in Decem­ I say to all those firemen not in social reasons, but to participate able pride in the strength of the trade union movement, should ber, 1966. the FBU: “Come inside and get whenever possible in activity FBU to-day and the establishment give full backing to the NCCL declaration supporting the right of won him respect Upon applying to the GLC for a the strength of the Union around aimed at promoting the mainten­ of trade unionism everywhere— you” (with apologies to the tele­ ance of pension values. even in sleepy, recalcitrant all United Kingdom residents pension for a “due to service” in­ . . . “to enjoy equality of oppor­ jury, I was informed that as no vision advertisement). In Bournemouth, every retiring Bournemouth. I WISH to convey my sincere Ted Hughes tunity and freedom from discrim­ pension fund was in being prior to Ted Burden fireman joins “The Embers” who, thanks to Bro. Dick Foggie, our together with “The Cinders” ination on grounds of race, creed, 1948 for members of the NFS I (Ex-London District Secretary) sex or class”. No. 10 District Secretary, for his would have to apply to the Minis­ (their wives) enjoy many occasions excellent and efficient handling of try of Social Security under the together throughout the year. The It is vital that there should be my recent troubles at Luton. Civilian Inuries Compensation local Chief Fire Officer gives us A delegate 30 widespread knowledge of this He has gained the respect of all Scheme. Why not branches his full co-operation and meetings declaration in order to counter the members at Luton. The Ministry then informed me for pensioners? continue to be held on fire stations years ago activities of those forces led by The success Dick Foggie that the injury was not considered as well as other more congenial Duncan Sandys and Enoch Powell achieved as “Accused’s Friend” in as a “war service injury” and I IN REPLY to Bro. Shalice, I places. I WOULD LIKE to express my who gave the racialist campaign two charges against me and the was invited to appeal against the agree that the “old hands” should We recommend, too, that every most heart-felt thanks to you, Bro. a new lease of life by their agita­ charges the week before against Minister's decision if I so desired. keep in touch. In fact, I feel that ex-FBU member should continue Parry, and the Executive, not for­ tion about the Kenyan Asians. Bro. O’Connor, have been like After making various enquiries of there should be a Pensioners’ to support his old Union by be­ getting the H.Q. staff, for the most Women, no less than non-white a tonic to our members, and it has the Citizens’ Advice Bureau I de­ Branch(s) within the frame-work coming an out-of-trade member. kind and considerate treatment I people, are quite clearly regarded made them realise the importance cided to seek the advice of the of the Union to look after our This is important. It is not mere received during the Blackpool by many and particularly by em­ of having the strength of the FBU. interests, for although my pension nostalgia which keeps our mem­ conference. ployers as second class citizens. Union around them. Bro. Tom Haston agreed to take remains static, prices are still ories bright, it is the hope that we The conference was a good ex­ The British Government is also Good luck, Dick, and thanks the case, and after some 14 months rapidly rising. Among the “old can still bring our experience and ample of how the workers can guilty in this respect by its failure again. the Ministry agreed that my injury has beens” there are many expert our understanding to bear in the organise their own affairs. I en­ to ratify ILO Convention 100 on A. W. Warr was, in fact, a war service injury negotiators who would be able to Service of the future. joyed every minute of the pro­ equal pay for women, and perhaps T. O’Connor and settlement was reached. serve. May I also take this opportunity ceedings. more surprisingly the TUC has Luton 4 FIREFIGHTER JULY, 1968 London abolishes A Scottish farewell to our Soviet guests

A SUNNY, summer's day on the The echoing banter between the The trek took them from stem to President’s car in the wake of the junior firemen River Clyde is, perhaps, one of the crew of the St. Mungo fireboat and stern and from bridge to bilges. The first turnout to a roof alight at best days to start off any Monday the Union guests on the pilot boat vastness of the giant liner was Glasgow Cathedral. morning: certainly Leon Razin and during a short, diversionary visit to matched only by the aching feet of Perhaps Leon and Nikolai did give Nikolai Klimushin, the fraternal the berth brought a warm smile to the visitors. a sigh of relief as they finally settled delegates from the Soviet Union to Nikolai's face as Leon rapidly trans­ By contrast, the cool, mature, back in the Glasgow Trades Council training scheme our Annual Conference, appeared lated. marbled grandeur of Glasgow’s City Club for an informal evening with to support that viewpoint as they Coffee and biscuits in the well- Chambers provided a restful setting firemen and their wives from some set off at 0930 hours in a Clyde equipped state-room of the pilot for a short informal chat over a of the surrounding brigades. Cer­ Navigation pilot boat with the boat set the seal to an exhilarating refreshment with Lord Provost John tainly, one member of the party had Harbourmaster, the President, Bro. trip "doon the watter”. Johnstone, when old memories of to remove his shoes to last out the COLLEGE TO CLOSE Humphries, and Bros. Miller, Napier One of the very few to gain per­ visits to the USSR were revived. night. and Reidford. mission to berth alongside the new The eyebrows of the unassuming It may well be some time before N March the Greater London Council cancelled the scheduled With a fresh breeze in their faces Q4 in John Brown’s Dockyard, the Lord Provost rose imperceptibly on they return to Scotland, but it is I April intake of junior firemen because, as a result of a and the sun warming their skins, it captain of the pilot boat put the hearing that Soviet firemen were doubtful if Leon and Nikolai will review of its financial commitments, it had decided that an was perhaps difficult to feel too Union delegation ashore to a most unacquainted with “mops and quickly forget their whirlwind tour immediate increase in the numbers of junior firemen under keenly the intense desolation of auspicious welcome from no less a buckets” ! of Scotland’s largest city on a warm training could not be justified. Two months later the Council the rows of silent wharves standing personage than Mr. Rannie, the It was only a short hop to Glas­ sunny day in June. in mute evidence of the run down bowler-hatted chief of the yard gow Fire Brigade Headquarters, and decided to close the Junior Firemen’s Residential College at in trade in the upper reaches of the staff, who personally conducted a station tour which was sharply A. Napier Swanley and in June, they decided to end their junior firemen Clyde them on a tour of that great ship. interrupted by a mad dash in the Scottish District Secretary training scheme and not even attempt to continue it on a non- residential basis. In taking this action London has shown just how quickly a fire authority can block or indeed Officers’ exam reverse progress in order to effect, in the short term, a financial sav­ Hungarian ing. results show This retrograde decision was strenuously opposed in the coun­ a marked cil chamber by the Labour hospitality Opposition and before that by improvement the Union. The General Secretary led a THE RESULTS of the station for an FBU deputation from the London Bri­ officers’ examination held in gade Committee and put an excel­ February last show a distinct im­ lent and hard hitting case to the provement in those of 1967. Fire Brigade Committee against the closure of Swanley College. 250 candidates representing delegation It was only at this stage that the 19.4% of the total of 1,290 passed Union learned that in addition to the examination and 162 candi­ the financial considerations, it was dates (12.5%) were referred in one The fire service museum in Budapest is a great being claimed that the educational section. favourite with the children. standard of junior firemen entry In the 1967 examinations, 175 was so disappointingly low that candidates representing just over by JOHN MacDONALD, National Officer. Below, the impressive Gala Stairway inside the even after training there was little 14% of the total of 1.212 passed Parliament building. if any difference between junior the examination. 156 candidates firemen standards and, because of (12.6%) were referred. recent improvement, those of young recruit firemen. URING the latter part of last year the The background and short­ D Executive Council accepted an invita­ sighted nature of the GLC’s de­ tion from the Hungarian Civil Service Union cision to close Swanley College to send a three man delegation. For Bro. and now to abandon completely Ken Head, London EC member, Bro. “Taff” junior firemen entry can be Davies, No. 6 District Secretary, and myself gauged by the following brief this was a welcome opportunity as none of facts. us had visited an Eastern European country before. College cost £200,000 From the moment we arrived at Budapest Airport we were treated as honoured guests by Although London started its our host Union, its Secretary, Mr. Lorand Jokai, junior firemen scheme in 1964, the and the two colleagues who were given the task Swanley College has only been of looking after us, Madam Kadar, a union operating since early in 1966. The official, and Lt. Colonel Pal Dacksi, of the Hun­ initial cost of the college as garian National Fire Service. adapted for junior firemen train­ Our requested programme of visits was more ing was in the region of £200,000. than fulfilled and we were constantly involved in It can accommodate 130 boys and full and frank discussion of things we saw. since it opened between 70 and 90 On the general aspects of our visit we visited junior firemen have been under the Hungarian Parliament buildings, one of the training at any one time. innumerable Roman Catholic churches in Buda­ To date about 140 ex junior fire­ pest which, we learned with some surprise, were men are serving operationally and financially assisted by the State, the new industrial some 45 are still under training. town of Dunaujvaros, the theatre, ballet and art Apart from the general accept­ galleries. ance in the service that junior fire­ Hospital takes the cake We also watched a football match between the men entry was essential it seems distributive workers and the engineers (metal logical to state that as the college IN our Jubilee Conference issue of “Firefighter” we reported that workers) and it was soon apparent that partisan has only been operating for two the Union’s birthday cake was sent to an old folk’s home after support of one's team is not confined to Britain; history of fire and fire fighting development from years, it is far too early to draw the cutting ceremony. Well, apparently it was not, after all. Instead on at least two occasions, spectators tried to prehistoric times through the Roman era and up conclusions as to its value. it went, as was originally intended, to a hospital, and we are sure prove, by fisticuffs, that their chosen team was to the present day. Over 50,000 people, the bulk If there was any weight in the it must have been quite a tonic to the patients of Wesham Park best! of them school children, visit the museum each claim that junior firemen entrants Hospital, Kirkham, Lancs., to receive this outsize offering. During a visit to a light engineering factory year. After seeing the museum itself the children were not of a sufficiently high Seen here undertaking the handing over ceremony to the Matron which produced electric motors we expressed are shown several educational fire prevention educational standard, how much and representatives of the hospital management committee is Bro. some criticism of the safety measures and later, films. consideration was given to the fact Bill MacLaren, No. 5 District Secretary, second from left, who later in discussion with representatives of the Hun­ During visits to fire stations we saw practice that a new educational curriculum received the following letter of thanks: garian TUC, very definite note was taken of our turnouts and had the opportunity of discussing was introduced in the autumn of Dear Mr. MacLaren, views that safety measures should not be relaxed equipment used. We formed the view that, 1967. This curriculum was aimed Will you please convey to the members of your Union in the interests of speedier production. although of a more utilitarian appearance, techni­ at bringing the junior firemen up the appreciation and thanks of the Committee of Manage­ cally, both appliances and equipment were at to graduate Institute of Fire En­ ment for your kind gift of a birthday cake to this hospital. gineers level at the age of 18 and THE FIRE SERVICE least on par with ours in Britain. All the more (signed) W. R. Taylor modern fire extinction media such as high expan­ was already, according to the Our prime interest was, of course, in the fire instructional staff, showing results. Hospital Secretary sion foam, inert gas. etc., were readily available. service and at an early stage of our visit we met Fire fighting uniform was of heavy overall type The London Fire Brigade is and had an interesting discussion with the Chief with considerable water and heat resisting currently at least 500 men under Officer of the Hungarian NFS, Major General qualities. strength: in the first six months Dr. Micsko. Basic pay is roughly equivalent to average of this year, recruitment to the We later learned that the title “Doctor”, held by industrial pay, but increases are gained for service Brigade was almost completely For Carlisle read Lindsey many senior fire service officers, usually meant and qualifications. Duty is based on a 24/24 cancelled out by normal wastage that they held a degree in law. This was because system. Normal retirement age is 55 with pension through retirement, etc. It fol­ SEEMS we erroneously attributed attention, Sister Gaunt said its the fire service was not only responsible for entitlement 50 to 75 per cent of pay, depending correction “would obviate the need lows that if there had been no Sister Marion Gaunt to Carlisle in ensuring that fire prevention legislation was on length of service. junior firemen's scheme, the last month's Conference issue of for me to explain continually my observed, it also drafted the legislation and presence in Lindsey and. no doubt, Space does not permit me to go into detail manpower deficiency would “Firefighter.” Marion does, in fact, punished offenders against it by monetary fines. about all we learned of general education, social have been much greater and one belong to the County of Lindsey allay the fears of Carlisle firemen The fire service is composed of some 5,000 that they have been taken over by services, etc., but certainly the delegation’s im­ is entitled to ask if London is Brigade in our No. 6 District, so professional firemen and about 25,000 volunteer pression was that social services and retirement the female element." serious about its manpower we apologise to her and agree that firemen in factories, other large establishments benefits compared not unfavourably with those in problem when it closes this we quite deserve all the things she and in the rural and semi-rural areas. Britain and in some aspects were perhaps better. probably said about us. avenue of recruitment. Published by the Fire Brigades Officership is open to all ranks by an examina­ People we met unofficially in shops, streets and Drawing the mistake to our In this connection would it not Union, Bradley House, 59 Fulham tion and selection system which includes a 12 cafes were friendly, well dressed, happy in appear­ High Street, London, S.W.6. months’ course of training before promotion have been reasonable to weigh the Editorial services by Ediprint Ltd. ance and on occasion conversed freely with us. saving of well over half a million (TU) 25 Holborn Viaduct. London, above the equivalent of our sub-officer rank. The general impression gained from our short pounds per year, which arises be­ BRO. JIMMY RAPHAEL, of the E.C.1. There is great emphasis on fire prevention, fire visit was that steady progress in workingand South Western Area Brigade, has Printed by Christchurch Times Ltd. protection and prevention education. One example living conditions was being made in Hungary and cause of manpower shortage, (TU all depts.) 6-8 Bridge Street. against the cost of running junior been re-elected as the No. 1 Christchurch, Hants. of this is the fire service museum in Budapest. that these advances were being made with the firemen training at Swanley? (Scottish) District Chairman. This excellent and spacious museum traces the support of the Hungarian people.