ESTABLISHED 1918 JOURNAL OF THE FIRE BRIGADES UNION F ir e F ig h t e r VOL 27 NO. 8 OCTOBER 1999 2

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The following letter in support o f the cause is written by Adam Faith:

Dear Editor WONDER how many readers, either employers or the hassle is taken away from you and it gives you the employees, realise how much they can help their chance to show how much your company cares about Ifavourite charity by joining or introducing a Payroll others, to staff, customers and your local community, as Giving Scheme? well as effectively increasing your company’s overall chari­ Payroll giving might not sound exciting, but the results table giving. Additionally, any changes in the administration can be dramatic and far reaching. For example, one of my of your payroll system can be reclaimed against your cor­ favourite charities is the UK’s leading international chil­ poration tax — so you also benefit from the tax effective­ dren’s charity Save the Children. ness of the scheme. By giving just a small amount from your salary each By giving in this way, you can help a charity like Save month — say £5 — you could enable a mother in Ethiopia the Children support long-term plans in the knowledge that to buy four goats to produce milk to nourish her children it has a regular, predictable income base. and create a vital source of income. You could also be help­ If you are an employer or an employee, and you’d like ing the charity cope when it has to respond to major emer­ to know more, write for a free pack to Joan Smith, Payroll gencies, such as famine, war and natural disasters. Giving, Save the Children, 17 Grove Lane, London SE5 8RD It’s a really easy and flexible scheme. You can give as lit­ or call 0171-716 2196 tle as £1 or as much as £100 per month. You can change Best wishes what you give at any time and you can stop your payments if your circumstances change. You can even ‘beat’ the taxman, because what you give counts as a tax-free charitable donation, and unlike other forms of tax-effective giving, the money is deducted before tax, so Save the Children doesn’t need to waste adminis­ trative time and money reclaiming the tax back. As an employer, you can introduce payroll giving to your company whatever its size. It’s completely free to join, all ADAM FAITH — The Money Channel 3 Comment From your General Secretary INQUIRY TO BE NEXT STEP

LL members of the FBU will have proposals for changes to the Grey Book. been following carefully the The Executive Council considered care­ A recent events as they have been fully the proposal of an inquiry and unfolding around the long running dis­ have agreed to participate subject of pute over conditions of service, the course to the terms of reference being Smash and Grab campaign. satisfactory. Since the employers unilaterally sus­ The potential for strike action in GMC pended the National Joint Council and West Yorkshire has, also as a result, machinery, they have been travelling been removed with both respective the country consulting their members employers locally removing their own on how to proceed with the changes proposals. Both ballots, the Executive they wished to implement. They have Council have agreed, will be suspended had to consider how to proceed in the in light of this. I must at this juncture knowledge that as a union we will not place on record the Executive Council’s concede to ‘local flexibility’, as we are thanks and congratulations to the mem­ acutely aware of what the implications bers and officials in both GMC and West of such a move would mean. Yorkshire for producing resounding Throughout this campaign, over nearly ‘YES’ votes in both cases. The employ­ two years, I have repeatedly offered to vice. It must be pointed out that much ers unable to break us down nationally, discuss with the employers the real to the disgust of some at the meeting tried unsuccessfully to break us locally, issues facing the service as we enter the proposal had already been sent to they failed. the next millennium, this they have the Home Secretary, of course we At the time of writing the inquiry and repeatedly declined to do. should not be overly concerned how its exact terms of reference are not The employers have received a they treat each other but it may assist known, but you can rest assured we will mixed reaction from the authorities they some to understand that if that’s how play a constructive and honest role in have visited, crucially many employers they behave to each other then perhaps its work. I feel confident that ‘WE’ can have stated that they do not seek or it may indicate how they can treat us produce plenty of evidence of our will­ understand the need for confrontation too often with little or no respect. ingness to take the service forward and with the FBU, this is to be welcomed. The Home Office Minister in the that during this most recent dispute it You will be aware that the employers House of Lords made a statement on has not been the FBU that has been met as a body on the 12th October to the 14th October, to the effect that confrontational or old fashioned in our consider the way forward. At the meet­ indeed an inquiry would be set up. approach to modern problems and ing they considered a proposal from the Importantly the statement also called issues. LGA group to request to the Home for the lifting of the employers’ suspen­ I of course, will ensure as matters Secretary an independent inquiry into sion of the NJC and even more crucially unfold that all our membership are kept the industrial relations in the fire ser­ that they, the employers, remove their informed. SMASH ’n’ GRAB FIRE BRIGADES UNION SOUTH YORKSHIRE

Brigade Officials and Members 9th September 1999 West Yorkshire Fire Service

Dear Comrades, Brothers and Sisters,

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

Just when you thought it had gone quiet good old Mr. Conlon rears his head and thinks how he can have another go at firefighters.

It appears to us that this is part of the plan along with GMC and London, to impose changes in conditions of service at local level. It is imperative that members oppose these changes because of the implications for all firefighters and officers, if employers are able to change conditions without agreement, so much for Conlon’s assurances!

Members in South Yorkshire are well aware of the implications if these changes are made, there will be a difference of five days’ annual leave between the two brigades but as stated, the ability of the employers to impose changes is the fundamental issue.

We wish you well in your campaign and urge your members to reject the proposals and give the Officials a mandate to initiate strike action should the Fire Authority continue with its plans. We will be consulting with the membership and Fire Authority over the implications for neighbouring South Yorkshire stations should strikes commence in West Yorkshire.

I am sure over the next few weeks you will be heavily involved in talking to the membership over the issues, the members in South Yorkshire would wish you to pass on their support for whatever action is necessary to stop the attack on our conditions. Should you require any assistance please contact us and we will do whatever we can to help.

Once again, Good Luck in the campaign, Best Wishes to the members in West Yorkshire, Reject the Employers’ proposals.

Yours Fraternally,

Bob Blackburn Brigade Secretary SMASH ’n’ GRAB FIRE BRIGADES UNION SOUTH YORKSHIRE

Brigade Officials, Brothers and Sisters 10th September 1999 Greater Manchester Fire Service

Dear Comrades,

GMC - EMPLOYERS PROPOSED RESTRUCTURE

The members in South Yorkshire wish to convey their support for the action you are taking over the Fire Authority’s proposed restructure of GMC.

We know only too well what happens when restructures take place, less personnel doing more work and Senior management taking the credit and extra salary.

In South Yorkshire we have been forced into four restructures over the last eight years resulting in a 25 per cent loss in personnel, in all cases the personnel left have been put under extreme pressure resulting in an increase in the number of Officers retiring because of stress related illnesses.

The exercise your employers are going through is obviously designed to impose local conditions and practices on the workforce and weaken the Fire Brigades Union. It is for these reasons that the GMC membership should strongly reject the proposals to reduce the establishment.

For our part we will be keeping the members informed about the situation and urging them to support the GMC members in any way they can. Please pass onto the members in GMC our best wishes for the stance they are prepared to take as I am sure this is just part of the National Employers’ tactics as it is in West Yorkshire and London.

Once again, good luck in the campaign, and don’t hesitate to contact us for help and assistance.

Best Wishes,

Yours Fraternally,

Bob Blackburn Brigade Secretary 6 NOTICE

I FULLY support the campaign of The Fire Brigades Union in their fight to save the Fire Control Centre on Resolutions carried the Island. B. Fifield (Mrs.), Piteaisn, 98 Carisbrooke Road, Newport ,Isle of Wight PO30 1DB

by the Essex Brigade Committee on 9th September 1999 THIS brigade demands that under no circumstances should this dispute between ourselves and the employers be taken to ACAS to be resolved. This brigade

I FULLY support the campaign of The Fire Brigades Union in their

demands that if we take industrial action as a result of changes to the Grey fight to save the Fire Control C e n t r e Book, that this industrial action wilt initially consist of seven days’ immediate on the continuous strike action, to be co-ordinated on a national basis. The brigade demands that should the national employers try to detrimentally Island. M rs. Barrett, 1 Rope change the national conditions of service in any brigade, outside normal laid Walk, Medina Road, down national procedures, then a ballot for national strike action should be taken. Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 7DX

Dear Mr. I REFER to my letter of the 21st June in reply to your concerns about

the potential for a dispute between the Fire Brigades Union and Local Authority employers over working

conditions.AppropriationsI raised thisOrder matter on the on the21st floor June. of theI enclose House herewithof Commons a copy during of the my debate speech on during the Northern the Ireland debate and you will note that in column 879 I urge the Government to use their influence to support

the retention of national negotiating rights throughout the United Kingdom for the Fire Service.

I trust

that you will find my intervention to be helpful and I will continue to

workGovernment. with my otherYours parliamentary sincerely, Jeffrey colleagues Donaldson in bringing MP. this matter to the attention of the 7 BOARD

National Dispute THE present dispute with the employers saddens me greatly, not only as an operational firefighter, but also as

a card carrying member of the Labour party. It has taken a great deal of soul searching for me to write this letter, as I have been an active follower of the Labour party for a number of years. I have donated money to the party, I have been an active supporter during the election campaigns (both local and national), I have spent many hours leaflet posting, knocking on doors, number snatching at polling stations and ferrying people to polling stations in my car. I campaigned not just in my own constituency but in neighbouring marginal wards during the last election. I have, therefore, not taken this decision lightly. The present Labour government seem intent on destroying our conditions of service. They have put themselves at war

with ALL firefighters. Of all those firefighters up and down the country there must be upwards of 1,000 plus who are members of the Labour party. The same Labour party who are attacking us.

I am therefore suggesting to you that the FBU organises a mass resignation from the Labour party of all its members in the lead

up to the national strike ballot.This will serve two purposes, it will create a good deal of adverse publicity for the Labour government and it will show Howarth, Straw and Blair that we mean business. Would it also be possible to stop financial contributions to the Labour party from the Union’s political levy? Tony Blair and his cohorts seem intent on biting the hand that feeds, they seem content to abandon long held principles and beliefs in order to penny pinch. So let us take our gloves off and start to fight as dirty as they do in order to save our service. Sincerely, Wayne Shields, Sub Officer, A13 Eccles, Greater Manchester Fire Service. From Hansard 21st June 1999Speaking to the House on the subject of appropriation in the context of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mr. Jeffrey Donaldson (Lagon Valley) said:‘‘The appropriations order also includes provision for the fire service.

The present dispute is not exclusive to Northern Ireland, but stems from union unease about the withdrawal of national negotiating rights throughout the United Kingdom. Many fire brigade officers in Northern Ireland are concerned about the withdrawal

of those rights, and I hope that the Government will use their influence to support their retention for fire services. It is very important to the men and women in the Northern Ireland fire service that we maintain a standard that applies throughout the United Kingdom.” 8

SMASH ’n’ GRAB OUTMODED AND UNJUSTIFIED ACTIONS OF EMPLOYERS

N a recent letter, to the Chair of the LGA Fire Committee offices” to knock some sense into those councillors who Home Office, Minister George Howarth states “if the are playing with people’s lives. Unfortunately, Straw and Isafety of the public was put needlessly and recklessly at Howarth are indulging in union bashing. They continue to risk, the Government will not hesitate to take appropriate support people who are intent on reducing standards of action”. fire cover. I urge him to take appropriate The “Grey Book”, has been nego­ action now. A “cabal” of Labour coun­ tiated over many years by both the cillors are committed to an act of Employers and Employees sides, to unprecedented folly in proposing to reflect the needs of Fire Service per­ drastically reduce the number of fire­ sonnel. The Employers now claim fighters attending fires “during the that our conditions are “outmoded hours of darkness”. It borders on and unjustified”. In fact it is the insanity to support a proposition that employers who treat our members in will undoubtedly result in lives being an outmoded and unjustified manner. lost. The vast majority of fire deaths How does it improve the efficiency of occur during the night. This is a fact the service when they renege on acknowledged by all fire service per­ agreed compensation payments to sonnel. The only people who ignore firefighters killed or injured on duty. this fact are a small group of politi­ Is the service improved by increasing cians who are attempting to boost attendance times, and reducing the their careers on the platform of number of firefighters attending smashing the Fire Brigades Union. incidents. These same politicians have closed It is galling to note that station fire stations and reduced standards closures and reducing the number of of fire cover in London. Result a 25 firefighters at incidents is being per cent increase in household fire forced through prior to the conclu­ deaths in London in 1998. Have sion of the reports into the reviews these people no shame. Is this an John Paul McDonald, Chair Strathclyde Fire Brigades Union. of the standards of fire cover. The example of “best practice”. I think not. Employers know that the reports of the Unfortunately, Jack Straw seems to believe less fire cover various reviews are indicating that more firefighters not is “Best Value”. No firefighter wishes to take strike action less are required at incidents. Management Health and but we will not standby and witness the demise of the Fire Safety risk assessments state categorically that increased Service’s ability to save lives. attendance times and less firefighters at incidents have a jack and George should stop their macho man posturing. direct relation to increased deaths and fatalities of both Responsible politicians should be using their “good firefighters and members of the public. 9

SMASH ’n’ GRAB

The reports findings will not support their agenda of but to take strike action to defend pay, jobs, and standards cuts. That is why they are attempting to “con” the public, of fire cover. Government always prefers to listen to their and media, into believing that they are dealing with an accountants rather than professional firefighters. We have intransigent trade union. Remember, these are the same used industrial action to stop redundancies and the intro­ Employers who have cut the service to the bone. duction of capability. We were forced to take national strike The Employers acknowledge that the union has massive action to get firefighters off income support and the 48/56 public support. The public supports the Fire Brigades Union hour week. in the campaigns to stop station closures. They backed the Firefighters and Control Staff do a magnificent job successful campaign to stop the 999 call service being pri­ despite the constraints imposed by massive underfunding. vatised. The Employers sole aim is to smash the union and The Employers intend to make us pay for their ineptitude force through the “modernisation” of the Fire Service. and perverse political agenda. To achieve their objective Modernisation equates to the introduction of Privatisation they have to smash the Fire Brigades Union and that is why or Agency status. Private greed before public service is the they are threatening to legislate against our right to strike. ethos of a minority of unprincipled politicians. Fire Brigades Union members have had no other option They will not succeed. REMEMBER THIS ONE

One day on a station a Firefighter sat To the Algarve he went, loads of dosh to be spent, for exams he had started to study. a villa he bought, by the beach, When down went the bells, so he dropped all his pens yet some people still declare as he sits in his wheelchair and left in rather a hurry. that he’s nowt but a parasitic leech.

Through the town they did race, at a hell of a pace, Golden backache he’s got, but he doesn’t give a jot, loud horns and blue lights all a flicker, for some old cow in a hell of a state, when an MP near by, remarked with a sigh, An MP who’s only concern, is, how much does this man that two men in a fast car would be quicker. earn You’d have thought she’d have more on her plate. They came to a stop, from the cab they did hop, jumped down to where this MP stood She still opens her gob, just to prove she’s a snob “What’s up”? she asked as they hurried past and she couldn’t care less for others “It’s a cow, stuck fast in some mud”. if she ever got stuck in mud, whilst chewing the cud, who would pull her out — not me, So why all the fuss, why are you bothering us would you - BROTHERS? with all this noise and commotion. Your not funded for that, be it cow, dog or cat J. Wilson leave it be she said, with no emotion.

It started to rain as they took the strain when one felt a sharp pain in his back, now he’s out of the job, but he’s got a few bob, and he definitely ain’t coming back.

k. 1 0 SMASH ’n’ GRAB

LONDON REGION NEWS REPORT

LIVINGSTONE CONDEMNS LFCDA LABOUR GROUP

EN LIVINGSTONE MP — who opinion polls show to “. . . the LFCDA seems to be prepared to go it alone be the front runner in the race to be Mayor of and take on London’s firefighters . . . The Authority now KLondon — has slammed the LFCDA Labour Group’s wants to impose new — and worse — terms and decision to impose second class contracts on new conditions of employment on new recruits to the Fire recruits. Service. In a letter to the FBU dated 6th September Ken writes: “If the aim is to split new recruits from serving “I was appalled to discover that the LFCDA Labour firefighters, it seems this is a tactic that may backfire. Group has voted to break the existing national agreement “If the authority is determined to attack the hard-won and impose worse contracts of employment on all new living standards of courageous men and women in the recruits to the Fire Brigade from 1st January 2000. Given service then the London Region of the union will that 65 per cent of all recruits to the Fire Brigade next probably ballot for industrial action. year are expected to be women or ethnic minorities we face the appalling prospect of second class firefighters “I would not pretend to speak for members of the Fire who will be predominantly women or ethnic minorities. Brigades Union or to try and tell them which way to vote This is bound to cause tension and disaffection. in that ballot. But I have genuine sympathy for those “I believe these decisions must be left to the new firefighters who feel aggrieved at what can only be mayor who will be elected on 4th May next year and interpreted as a slap in the face for years of loyal service urge the LFCDA Labour Group to rescind its decision to the people of London.” immediately.” Meetings to discuss Cllr. Ritchie’s plans are being held Support for the FBU has also come from Hornchurch on all branches. Make sure that you attend and have your Labour MP John Cryer. Writing in the Havering Recorder he say. says: 11

SMASH ’n’ GRAB

The Fire Brigades Union LONDON REGION

SAY “NO” TO SECOND- CLASS CONTRACTS

The London Fire and Civil Defence Authority (LFCDA) Executive on 24th September, meeting at a secret venue to discuss a secret report from Chief Fire Officer Brian Robinson and Director or Personnel, Ian Bone, took a decision that they "wish to introduce a new

Contract of Employment for recruit Firefighters regulated entirely by the LFCDA”. Only the leaders of the Conservative and Liberal Democrat groups voted against.These Contracts will be outside of the Grey Book and outside of the National Joint Council. Their introduction will inevitably lead to an attack on existing Firefighters’ pay and conditions. They will be second-class Contracts.The only way to defend our pay and conditions; our national agreement and our Union, is to ensure that every London Firefighter is employed on the same terms and conditions and is covered by the same national agreement.

DEFEND THE GREY BOOK 12

SMASH 'n' GRAB

W H Y I A M OPPOSED TOSECOND-CLASS CONTRACTS ...

"We all do the same job and face the same risks. We "Ritchie's assurances should all be on that 'your existing the same pay and Contracts are secure' conditions." are worthless. Long before TED JOHN (Firefighter) - I'm due to retire, they Shoreditch Green would have attacked Watch. 10 years the pay and conditions service. of all of us."

STEVE JOHNSON (Sub Officer) - Mill Hill White Watch. 21 years service.

"In 1977 I was at Training Centre and was on strike for 2 weeks. I may

be nearing the end

ofprepared my career to but go I'mon "Ritchie strike again to leave a decent job for tomorrow' thinks sFirefighters." that he can create a two-tier workforce and divide PAUL SKORZEWSKI us. We have to give him a clear answer: 'we (Firefighter) are united and we will defend the Grey Book." -Clerkenwell White Watch. 22 years service. ADELE PHEMISTER (Firefighter) - Chiswick White Watch. 12 years service AND GHADA RAZUKI (Firefighter) - Willesden Blue Watch 14 years service.

"If wemeans, want we to knowshouldwhatlook localat London barganing

Weighting: no risefor 2 years. We need "I've got most of my career in front of me. I want to ensure that I'm covered by a to keep the Grey Book." national agreement when I retire, like I danny west was when I started." (Firefighter)Leytonstone -

TONY BRYANT (Fire­ GreenWatch. 15 fighter) - Clerkenwell White yearsservice. Watch. 2 years service. 13

SMASH ’n' GRAB

Mr. George Howarth MP Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Home Office Queen Anne’s Gate London SW1H 5AT 30th July 1999 Dear

George, I have just

sighted your

letter to Tony (Ritchie) dated 23rd July 1999 and I wish to register my disgust at some of its contents. As a resident of Liverpool for 50 years and a firefighter with the Merseyside Brigade for 25 years, I would like

you to explain to me which of my conditions of service you consider to be outmoded and unjustified. Maybe you are talking about my pay and hours? If so, I totally agree with you, it is a disgrace as we approach the dawn of

the new millennium that after 25 years of service to the public of Merseyside I work longer hours and pick up less pay per week than my 25 year old son, who is an electrician. You describe in your letter that “the Fire Brigades Union response is unjustified and a relic of an old and discredited confrontational approach to industrial relations”. I would inform you that during my service I have taken strike action twice, first against the imposition

of an unjustified pay freeze by a Labour government in 1977 where as a firefighter on my wage I was entitled to family income supplement, free school uniforms and free school meals for my children!! The second was

in response to the unjustified removal of two days’ leave by a Labour led Joint Fire Board (do you notice the common thread running through this account George). By the way we went to ACAS to sort the dispute out and we thought we had a solution, only for the Labour group to renege on the deal, so maybe you can understand why we will not set foot near ACAS. When you write to Tony, as you do about • Improving efficiency• Seeking greater economy • Effectiveness• Best ValueWhy can’t the pair of you be honest and up front, at least the Tories had the guts to call them

what they really are CUTS. Your justification for these CUTS is that they are part of a modernisation programme and that both the Employers and the Audit Commission

say that changes (sorry, Cuts) are necessary, I would remind you that the Audit Commission also agree that Britain has one of the most effective and efficient firefighting services in the world. When you go on to say

that this “Government will not hesitate to take appropriate action”, why won’t you just do that George. Why doesn’t this Government take the action that will assist both the Employers and Employees of the Fire Service and ultimately the public and FUND THE FIRE SERVICE PROPERLY? I am content for this letter to be shared with other Merseyside MPs and local councillors, as I and the members I represent in the Region are becoming sick and tired of listening

to the public platitudes from people like yourself about the fire service, whilst you continue to attack our conditions of service and

Union. Yours ever PETER SKINLEY EC MEMBER No. 9 Region 14 SMASH 'n' GRAB

photos: Andrew Wiard 15 SHEER POETRY BRIGHTON VENUE FOR TUC CONFERENCE

TUC FACES THE MILLENNIUM ber I am unhappy about changes to "PA R TN ER SH IP ” was the buzz- Party rules and structures, which cen­ word as the TUC annual con­ tralise power in the hands of a few peo­ ference met in Brighton for ple close to the Prime Minister. the last Congress of this century. “ But we cannot ignore the facts with The TUC itself adopted the catchy which I have opened up, nor should we logo “Partners@Work” for conference. try to justify our frustrations by being Several trade union leaders, and Prime partial in our analyses, even though Minister Tony Blair during his speech some of these frustrations are particu­ to Congress, spelled out their interpre­ larly galling,” the FBU general secretary tation of partnership as one between continued. government, employers and workers. “The resources of the trade union The most significant and widely dis­ movement are the mainstay of election cussed question of the week was campaigns. The unions provide many of posed by FBU general secretary Ken the foot soldiers of the party who do Cameron, also dealt with the subject the week in, week out hard work that of partnership — that between the TIME TO REVIEW THE maintains members in our wards and trade union movement and the Labour RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE on our local councils. Party. The points made by the FBU UNIONS AND PARTY “ But we now seem to be treated with general secretary during his speech “All the indicators show that the gov­ a degree of contempt — they do not to the traditional Tribune fringe meeting ernment is not only maintaining a com­ want to be seen with us in public! formed the backdrop to much of the manding lead in the polls, it is even “Yet, they need our money, they reporting of the week’s proceedings increasing its popularity on some need our shoulders to the wheel to and even drove the Prime Minister to issues,” Ken Cameron told the Tribune keep the party ticking over,” Ken verse. meeting. Cameron said. The controversial Private Finance “It is seen as a government that can “ In the trade union movement, we Initiative, the future of public services, be trusted to run the economy — not have all mulled over and over the the trade union movement’s position on something usually associated with Fairness not Favours assertion. We have the Euro, union recruitment and organi­ Labour administrations, and it seems balked at the slights against public sec­ sation and the restructuring of the TUC that the government continues in this tor workers. all featured on the busy agenda. It was direction it is set fair for a second term “ I believe that the time is now right a week which showed unions as more of office,” he said. for a debate — which I hope can be a prepared to criticise the government “There are aspects of New Labour constructive one — on the future rela­ than has been the case since the elec­ policies with which the FBU profoundly tionship of the unions and the Party,” tion, although the TUC is still far from disagrees — cuts in disability benefits, he declared. showing any outright opposition. In the omissions in the legislation applicable “There are comrades who are deter­ main Congress endorsed the concept of to rights at work and trade union rights mined to maintain the historic link “social partnership” built on the idea and the bombing of Serbia to name but between us, and I have been one of that employers and workers share a a few,” he pointed out. those. common interest. “As an individual Labour Party mem­ “ But I am no longer as certain as I 1 6

used to be as to whether this is in the words for fear of upsetting New best interests of our trade union move­ Labour.” ment, and of our members,” he “ Let us have this collective debate,” revealed. he concluded. “There are practical reasons for sup­ porting this position — the same EQUALITY MUST BE CENTRAL reasons which led the trade union “ Equality cannot just be an add on. movement to form the Party in the early We must make it a central part of our years of this century, the need to work,” TUC President Lord Mackenzie of acquire parliamentary clout to wield Culkein said, during his opening on behalf of the working class,” he address. continued. “ How can we appeal to that diverse “ But the fact is that this can no mix of people that go to make up longer be taken as read. The Labour today’s workforce — men and women, Party no longer relies on us as its nat­ will continue to do, is defend our mem­ old and young, of every race, belonging ural partner, and we can no longer rely bers and the public against cuts in the to different communities, different sex­ on it to be our natural ally. fire service, which will inevitably cost ual orientations and a variety of access “As we move into a new millennium, lives. That is what trade unions do.” needs — when we ourselves appear to the ties that bound us together in the Ken Cameron stressed that “what I represent such a limited section of soci­ early years of this century are frayed do not support is the formation of a ety?” he asked. and ragged at the edges,” he pointed new party. For many historic as well as The trade union movement has made out. pragmatic reasons I do not believe that advances, and can set examples, he “This was brought home to the FBU this is the most effective way in which acknowledged. “The proportion of very starkly at our annual conference in we can advance the interests of the women in the trade union movement May this year. Our members voted for working class. and here at Congress is rising. our political fund to be used for cam­ “ Electorally, the Labour Party is “We are undertaking race monitoring paigning on behalf of our members and still the only show in town,” he again this week to see what progress, if not to be given automatically to the emphasised. any, we are making to ensure that we Labour Party. “But I feel that the interests of our more accurately reflect the racial com­ “Why did FBU members take this members are best served by using our position of trade unions and the work­ decision”? he asked. funds to campaign on issues crucial to force,” he declared. “ Because they feel bruised and bat­ working men and women, not solely to Praising the special efforts being tered by Labour Councils set on bashing support a narrow agenda on which only made to give more of a voice to youth, the union and imposing life-threatening people in work feature. he also welcomed the fact that among cuts,” was his answer. “We must also throw our weight and the guest speakers for Congress were “During those long dark years of Tory our money behind those fighting on Sir Herman Ouseley, Chair of the government we repeatedly expressed behalf of the unemployed, the poor and Commission for Racial Equality, and our support for Labour authorities the sick. Minister for Women Baroness Jay. struggling under draconian legislation “We must harness our efforts and The President called on unions to aimed at rendering them powerless,” he target our funds to where we feel they “put forward more women speakers, recalled. can be most effective,” he urged. more members with disabilities, more “We knew they were being starved of Ken Cameron summed up “there will black representatives, more younger cash. We knew that the Tories were try­ still be many campaigns on which the delegates.” ing to discredit and destroy Labour Party and the unions will agree. A loos­ And he insisted that, in emphasising councils. We offered to campaign ening of the links is a big step to take, jointly with them for proper funding for but I think it will be in the best inter­ the fire service. ests of the trade union movement.” “Some responded positively, some He saw the choice as “either sepa­ did not, and some are now set on rating as friends or continuing to live a revenge for what they, like Tony Blair, lie. As an optimist, be believed that see as scars inflicted on them by public “separation would benefit everyone. sector workers. “ It would certainly free us up to say “All the FBU has done, and all that it what we want to without trimming our 17

equality, we must also make the case The choice, he argued, lies “between for a system of work that recognises a New Labour government, trying our that “there is life outside the factory best to put right 18 years of gate, outside the office door, and Conservative government and a beyond the demands of the job.” Conservative Party that is worse than Lord Mackenzie described his eleva­ they were before and which would tion to the House of Lords as a “high­ reverse every last part of the progress light” of his presidential year. Britain has made.” “It is an honour to be only the sec­ When New Labour is attacked for ond member of the Lords in the TUC having sold out, it is largely not history to be President of Congress and because of what we have done or what I am sure that my appointment reflects we are, but because of what we are credit on the trade union movement as not,” Mr. Blair stated. much as it does on me as an individ­ “We are not anti-business or anti­ ual,” he said. wage, “lifting the pay of two million wealth. We enjoy good relations with workers, the first ever.” business. We are in favour of wealth PRIME MINISTER DEFENDS The right to recognition, the halving creation. We celebrate British entrepre­ GOVERNMENT RECORD of the period for unfair dismissal, the neurial success. Many successful busi­ Prime Minister, Tony Blair opened his raising of compensation limits back to nesses support New Labour. address to Congress with a poem their real value of 20 years ago, an end “The real criticism is that we are not penned in response to Ken Cameron’s to check off, the signing of the social out there jabbing our fingers at the call for a discussion on loosening the chapter and the granting of parental “bosses”, engaged in old-fashioned links between the trade union move­ leave were included in the list. class war rhetoric and all the rest of ment and the Labour Party. He continued with the New Deal for what used to be standard stuff for con­ The gist of the ditty was the Prime the unemployed, the Working Family Tax ference speeches. Minister’s insistence that the links must Credit, the biggest ever rise in Child “We are not into gesture politics. We remain, and his disbelief that the idea Benefit and the £100 extra to help tide take a hard-headed look at the world of divorce was raised by “that left-wing every pensioner household over around us. Business and employees — firebrand Ken.” Christmas. your members — are not two nations. Mr. Blair went on to make a strong “ Every single one of these things That is old-style thinking. That is the defence of his government’s record, were delivered by a Labour govern­ thinking of the past. referring to the question “what has New ment,” he pointed out. “Business and employees — your Labour ever done for us?” He replied, “And more — £800 million into the members — work best when they work “take out the ‘new’ and that cry has poorest estates, capital receipts freed together, for their common interests. been made within our ranks whenever up for use by local councils after years When they have got one direction, one there has been a Labour government for of lying idle, section 11 money to help purpose. One nation,” the Prime the 100 years of our history.” ethnic minorities with the English lan­ Minister said. He quoted Walter Citrine, who said in guage, and the abolition of charges for the 1940s “I could not remember a sin­ eye tests for the over 60s.” JOHN MONKS CALLS FOR gle occasion when Attlee had ever The Prime Minister also listed “a 10 MILLENNIAL CHANGE helped us since he had taken office.” pence tax rate for the low paid, cutting TUC general secretary John Monks New Labour’s achievements were class sizes for five, six and seven year urged Congress to take up the listed in detail by the Prime Minister, olds, replacing nursery vouchers with “Millennial Challenge” and to “start a starting with the statutory minimum guaranteed nursery places, £40 billion process going back to the first princi­ extra spending on schools and hospi­ ples of trade unionism making them tals and ending the ban on unions at relevant and attractive for today and GCHQ.” tomorrow.” He acknowledged that much remains The Challenge, he said “means lis­ to be done, but said, “the choice is not tening to the widest range of ideas, between a New Labour government and stimulating our collective creativity, lis­ some fantasy government where no tening to each other, thinking the hard decisions are ever taken and unthinkable, asking members, and everything is put right overnight.” potential members, what they expect from tomorrow’s unions.” Calling for a radical examination of every aspect of trade unionism, he stated that “I am ambitious for unions to be every bit as relevant to the jobs of the future as we were at our birth to the mines, mills and factories of indus­ trial Britain. “ I am ambitious for trade union TUC CALLED ON TO HELP membership to rise by a million over DEFEND FIRE SERVICE the next five years. With the new laws FBU Vice-President Ruth Winters told coming on stream we can do just that,” delegates “the FBU, as part of the fam­ the TUC general secretary believed. ily of trade unions, needs your sup­ “ I am ambitious for British workers, port.” She was moving the successful through their unions, to be real partners motion on attacks on the Fire Service. with management at work. Getting rid of service,” he said. “As a user of a vital emergency pub­ of us and them, master and servant, do Mick Harper, stressed “all the local lic service, you have a right to know as you are told — instead we want rela­ disputes we have been involved in have what is being done to your fire service,” tionships of mutual respect, trust and been about defending the public was her message to each trade genuine partnership,” he said. against cuts, which will place them and unionist. their families at increased risk of death Ruth Winters stated that the FBU FBU PRESIDENT DEFENDS from fire. found the attacks on the service “bewil­ RIGHTS TO STRIKE “We have not been on strike for dering, because all of the indicators more money, We have not been on “Members of the FBU — the fire­ show that we are providing a high stan­ strike for longer holidays. We have fighters and control operators who pro­ dard of service.” taken action to protect the public, vide a vital public service — never want She pointed out that the “Audit because no one knows better than fire­ to go on strike,” FBU President Mick Commission says we are one of the fighters and fire control operators the Harper told Congress. most consistently high performing pub­ dangers of cuts,” he said to warm “No workers providing an essential lic services. It says that the public holds applause. public service should ever need to go us in high esteem. on strike. Nurses, ambulance workers The FBU President revealed that “The government’s own focus group firefighters, should not be put in a posi­ “there are rumblings and rumours that — the People’s Panel — says that we tion whereby they have to withdraw restrictions may be placed on FBU are providing an excellent service. But their labour,” he continued. members which mean that they cannot do we get any acknowledgement of “There has been only one na­ take lawful industrial action. this?,” she asked. tional strike in this country’s fire ser­ “We already have more than enough “ No, quite the reverse,” the Vice- vice. That was in 1977 when firefighters restrictions — the banning of secondary President continued. “Some of our were being paid poverty wages and our or solidarity action hits us very hard. employers, local authorities who are in families were having to claim benefits We cannot allow any more incursions the main Labour controlled, are deter­ to keep us above the bread line,” Mick into our civil liberties.” mined to keep having a go at the FBU. Harper reminded delegates. The FBU, he stated, “reaffirms our “They say it is in the name of effi­ “We want that to be the only na­ support for a very basic civil liberty, and ciency — but we are efficient. They say tional strike in the fire service. However, for a very fundamental human right — it is in the name of Best Value — we we are now facing the very grim situa­ the right of a worker to withdraw his or tion of having our national agreement her labour. on conditions of employment torn up “The principle of the right to strike by our employers,” he warned. is a principle, which distinguishes a “They want to introduce local varia­ worker from a slave. It is central to any tions — something of which many of civilised or democratic society. you in this hall have been through. You “A society cannot claim to be free know now it means worse conditions and democratic if it does not have free without any improvement to standards trade unions,” Mick Harper declared. 19

have told them the FBU has no problem and the politics of the many white with this. We wrote Best Value into the activists who agreed with us and fought FBU rulebook in 1918,” she recalled. alongside us that we have moved a “We call it serving the community by long way in a very short time,” he said. being skilled at our craft. The truth Turning to the amendment, he about what is happening is simple — summed up its most basic point as they want to break the FBU. So what being that “the members most fitted to have we done that makes them so assist the development of black struc­ vengeful? We have defended our com­ tures and activities in our trade union FBU. It reflects our anger at institution­ munities against cuts in the fire service. movement are those very members who alised racism,” he stressed. “These were cuts that would cost are daily on the receiving end of racism. He demanded action” to secure a fair lives — the lives of the public and the “And the second point of our amend­ deal for black brother and sister trade lives of firefighters. In other words, we ment is that proper policies should be unionists,” announcing the shocking have defended you, your families, and negotiated to deal with racism in the statistic that “there are less than 650 our members too well!” she said. workplace,” he declared. Black and Asian members of the entire “The Fire Service has been enquired The public sector must be the place fire service in England, Scotland and into, assessed, investigated — in other to give a lead. Black firefighters have Wales.” words minutely examined. And every told of the lower standards of service Garrett Brooks praised the Home time, the conclusion is that we provide which are sometimes suffered by non­ Secretary’s introduction of recruitment value for money. white members of the public who are targets, but warned, “already you can “The determination to tear up the victims of fire,” Garrett Brooks revealed. hear the nonsense — they are lowering national agreement covering fire service “This is appalling, but true,” he standards, we will be over-run and personnel is as spiteful as it is foolish. stated. similar rubbish.” The employers told our members that if He finished with a rousing appeal to He told Congress “life is tough for they accepted local as opposed to trade unionists, asking them “to help us black firefighters and for the six Black national negotiations nothing would be to challenge racism wherever it rears its and three Asian — a sum total of nine imposed without the agreement of the ugly head, especially in our public ser­ — fire control operators in the entire FBU,” she continued. vices — and also to accept that it hap­ service.” “And what happened? In the three pens within our own ranks. brigades leading the way in the drive to Describing this figure as “almost “And when that happens, the most smash our agreement they are already unbelievable”, he recalled how black effectively way of dealing with such poi­ workers in the fire service had begun to trying to impose new, less favourable son is to be guided by those who know contracts,” Ruth Winters revealed. meet “to try to offer each other support most about it — our black comrades,” in the face of the racism in the service.” “The worst fears of our members he stressed. have been confirmed — so the FBU is He went on to remember how, when asking for your support. Please lobby the FBU offered support, “we were sus­ TUC VANDALISM CONDEMNED picious. We did not want to have our your local Councillors. Write to your MP. FBU delegate Geoff Ellis caused a stir identity submerged by the same white You will not only be supporting brother on the last morning of Congress when and sister trade unionists, you will be men, who were giving us grief on the defending an emergency service, which stations,” he declared. keeps you and your family safe,” she “But, our Black and Ethnic Minority urged. Members’ Group of the FBU was formed, and a structure developed to ensure ROOT OUT RACISM that black voices are heard and hope­ Racism must be rooted out of our fully heeded at all levels of the union,” public services in general, and of the he went on. fire service in particular, FBU delegate “It has not always been easy to win Garrett Brooks said, moving a success­ support for these changes. But the ful amendment in the debate on the leadership of the FBU knew that black TUC Action Plan on Race. members would not settle for anything “The principle agreed at this year’s less than proper recognition and status TUC Black Workers’ Conference reflects within the union. the experience of black members in the “And it is a credit to their politics 20

he called for the sacking of “the vandal” ent things to different people, and dif­ and conditions, just as we struggle to responsible for the destruction of one ferent things to different interest maintain adequate fire cover,” he of Britain’s finest labour movement groups,” FBU representative Jim declared. murals. Barbour declared. “ It is the public who will pay a heavy The mural, depicting over 100 years Putting the FBU point of view in the price if things do not change for the of trade union history, from the match- debate on this controversial issue, he better,” he predicted. girls’ strike through to the struggles of explained how “in the fire service, we “If the government is serious about the miners, printers and seafarers, had have problems right across the board. modernising it must provide the extra adorned a wall in the TUC Education We are facing cutbacks, under funding, resources needed for a modern fire ser­ Centre in London. new contracts and threats against con­ vice. It must recognise the quality out­ The FBU representative was support­ ditions and pensions. put that we provide for the public, ing Megan Dobney, of the print union “We offered our national employers rather than concentrate only on effi­ GPMU, in her condemnation of the TUC true partnership — yet they chose to ciency and savings. “desecration” in painting over the run away. Why? Is it because they are “In modernising public services we mural. only interested in partnership on their need to recruit more women firefighters “ It is a denial of our history, it is a own terms, and not the sort of partner­ and from our ethnic minorities. That desecration. We have been white­ ship that we offer.” would improve our cultural diversity washed, tidied up, modernised,” she The FBU, he said, offered “a true, and utilise more of our untapped talent- declared. genuine and equal partnership into in the black and Asian communities,” he Geoff Ellis opened by informing which we, as trade unionists, can enter, said. Congress how as a student at the with the true fighting spirit and com­ Spelling out the FBU opposition to Education Centre, he had “many times mitment that made us trade unionists the Public Finance Initiative, he insisted, admired the colourful mural in the main in the first place.” “public services should not be seen as room. He explained “partnership, if it is to profit-making organisations for private “To hear that it has been painted be successful, meaningful, or beneficial companies, but as service providers for over is an absolute disgrace, and noth­ to our members, must be a partnership the public. ing short of an act of corporate graffiti of equals. But we must be on our guard “For some, public services can be a on the part of the TUC,” he declared. lest partnership becomes a ruse or matter of life or death,” he ended. “And the reason given for this a device to undermine workers’ rights destruction is also that the mural might and conditions.” PEACE AND ECONOMIC offend some of the non-union corporate This requires, he emphasised, “the DEVELOPMENT - NOT WAR business people who now use the retention of the most fundamental of “We are told that the Cold War is building,” he continued. workers’ rights, the right to strike — over but unfortunately the world is no “ I want to know who agreed to this and no-one will ever take this from the less dangerous,” general secretary Ken act of vandalism, and I believe that FBU. Cameron said when proposing the whoever is responsible should now be The FBU wishes to never be forced to motion on Peace and Economic dismissed or removed from office,” he exercise such a right — and it is in that Development. said angrily. context that we support the concept of The choice ties between “perpetuat­ Replying, TUC general secretary John partnership — true and equal partner­ ing and the inevitable conflict that Monks said that the mural had been ship,” Jim Barbour stated. accompanies them, and reiterating the painted over in order to “brighten up” vision and determination of those in the room, which had been turned into a MODERNISATION MEANS 1946 who met in London after the war conference centre for hire to business. PROPER FUNDING against fascism to establish the United Art was “matter of taste”, he added, For the FBU, “modernisation would Nations,” he said. and “the trade union movement must mean quality pay, funding, staffing, He urged “let us pursue a path of move with the times.” health and safety provision, race equal­ peace and progress, not death and As he left the rostrum, Mr. Monks ity, family friendly policies and cultural destruction,” turn back and admitted, “by the way, I diversity.” FBU delegate Garrett Brooks Ken Cameron made it clear that the am the person responsible.” stated. resolution did not represent an “The Fire Service”, he went on, “is an “attempt to appease dictators such as PARTNERSHIP MUST BE ONE OF example of a public service that contin­ Sadam Hussein or Slobodan Milosevic. TRUTH AND EQUALITY ually struggles to get reasonable fund­ He condemned Hussein’s “rule by ter­ “Partnership inevitably means differ­ ing. We struggle to maintain our pay ror”, and Milosevic for his “manipula­ 21

tion of the narrow nationalism which applause. British made weapons are strike action, and the freedom to take has emerged in the Balkans since the being used to terrorise the population secondary action.” break up of Yugoslavia after Tito’s of East Timor. death.” “After all, people usually buy EQUALITY MEANS A PROPER While opposing the NATO bombing weapons so that they can use them — VOICE of the former Yugoslavia, he stressed especially dictators,” he said. He called FBU delegate Geoff Ellis stressed the that “the FBU is no apologist for racists for a “United Nations that is properly importance of “equality within the and dictators.” resourced, that commands respect, and workplace and within our movement” But, he continued, “nor do we apol­ that can be dispatched as a peace during the debate on the TUC Black ogise for saying that such unilateral keeping force before atrocities happen. Workers’, Women’s, and Lesbian and action by NATO does not advance the Gay Conferences. cause of peace and stability in the RECLAIM OUR RIGHTS The FBU, he said, “has recently set world. The anti-union laws pose problems up proper formal structures with “What did the bombing achieve? for the FBU as it faces a massive battle reserved seats on committees at all Innocent civilians were killed — the piti­ in defence of its national agreement, levels within our union for black mem­ ful sight of the Kosovo Albanians is FBU national officer Andy Gilchrist told a bers, women members, gay and lesbian imprinted on our minds as the bombing fringe meeting organised by the members and part-time members. force them to flee. Institute of Employment Rights. “This is a step in the right direction “The infrastructure of Yugoslavia is in “The outlawing of solidarity action which was long over-due. ruins. Conditions for the returning means that firefighters and control If the movement is serious about refugees are appalling. Not only are operators doing the same job are not pushing equality forward, than what they without homes, water, electricity, allowed to support each other, because better way to do it than to adopt a sim­ sanitation, hospitals and schools, the they have different employers,” he ilar policy and give these groups a true bombing has left pollution from the ura­ explained. and proper voice, he asked. nium tipped missiles and the explosion “The employers who are tearing up The resolution called on the TUC to of chemical plants and oil refineries.” our national agreement say that they organise a motions-based conference In Iraq, “he pointed out, “Sadam want to “negotiate” locally, and have for disabled workers as it does for Hussein is still in power and thousands tried to tell us that nothing would be “other oppressed groups — women, of innocent children are dying from mal­ imposed. That claim was shown to be a black and lesbian and gay workers.” nutrition and curable illnesses because pack of lies. It also called for each of the four of a lack of basic medicines. “ In West Yorkshire, Manchester and conferences to each be allowed to sub­ “It surely cannot be right that the elsewhere our members have had mit two motions to the TUC Congress, people continue to endure terrible hard­ enough — laws or no laws, they will do and for the TUC General Council to ships and the dictators remain in whatever is necessary to publicise what examine the question of reserved seats power,” the general secretary said. is happening to our fire service,” he for one disabled representative and one “The inaugural meeting of the United continued. lesbian and gay representative. Nations was held in London in 1946 — “We are balloting for strike action — “The TUC has a duty to our members 53 years ago. Our movement held high and we will win that ballot,” he to take a lead on equality issues. This hopes about its pivotal role in main­ predicted. composite calls for that lead,” Geoff taining peace throughout the world,” he “All our recent disputes have been Ellis stated. recalled. about saving the fire service, and But its credibility and effectiveness is against cuts. We know that the public undermined by unilateral action on the respects this, and supports us. But part of countries that are signatories to rumour has it that there may be an the UN Charter,” he declared. attempt to make strike action illegal in Turning to the “present terrifying the fire service — because, as we know situation in East Timor” he reminded only too well, there is no “right” to delegates that the East Timorese people strike. and UN personnel were being Warning that the FBU will vigorously massacred. resist any attempt to remove this “fun­ “Let us drop the pretence about damental human right”, he pledged British made weapons which we are “the FBU will keep plugging away at selling to Indonesia,” he stated to loud these two issues — the freedom to take 22 LRD PUBLISHES TRADE UNIONISTS’ GUIDE TO SICKNESS ABSENCE POLICY

ICKNESS absence control is applied in a way which guarantees high on both the management fairness and consistency. Sand political agenda. LRD’s latest booklet is a Employers view absence control as trade unionists’ guide to a way of cutting costs and, with sickness absence policy. It the regular publication of absence considers the general approach rate statistics, they are likely to and specific measures that are be comparing absences in their needed to ensure that the focus organisation with “benchmark” is on employee health rather levels elsewhere. than punitive policies, and that Meanwhile a recent Cabinet good practice in sickness absence Office report challenged public procedures is applied. Throughout, sector employers to cut the booklet draws on the findings sickness absence by 30 per of an LRD survey on absence cent by the year 2003. control carried out earlier this year Trade unionists, however, among workplace trade union will want to ensure that any representatives. changes in the organisation’s sickness absence policy are fully negotiated, and that it is

You realise absence could cost the com pany a lot of m oney, Bickley? 23 TUC BLACK WORKERS’ CONFERENCE

Thursday 15th April 1999 agreed as to what we would support Educational Institute of Scotland spoke and what we would oppose, those who exceptionally on black member partici­ UR first meeting for the Black were most passionate with their views pation in Trade Unions. The main crux TUC Workers’ Conference took were given the task to speak at the of her motion was to encourage young Oplace at 16.30 hours. Unfort­ rostrum. members to get off their behinds and unately Carl and Rolsalie were unable start getting involved in their various to attend as they were at a brother’s Trade Unions. What she called for was funeral. Nnam was named (self by more young blood. appointed) as chair for the meeting. My only complaint to Philipa was not After that was motion 5 Promoting having an agenda of the motions mak­ Paul Ahmed Zero Tolerance. Although the mover and ing it virtually impossible to contribute seconder spoke well on the subject as anything at all to the debate, without, did those who supported the motion, comprehensively reading all the Region the FBU had decided earlier to speak in motions first. Also it was unfair and opposition. Mick put an excellent case extremely hard for Ian to step up as a forward stating that a realistic and sen­ delegate filling in for Sam at short sible approach was needed and how notice who broke her ankle days ear­ 3 complete zero tolerance was in our view lier. If observers had been afforded the Conference opened with the usual unachievable. As we expected too many same paperwork as the delegates this warm welcome from the chair, Roland unions had already decided which way would not have been a problem. Biosah, and introductions of the head to vote so whatever was said by Mike Garrett was asked who we should table. His opening speech concentrated fell on deaf ears and the motion stood vote for on the TUC Race Relations on how far we have come in a short with only the FBU voting to oppose. Committee and in my opinion too many space of time but also he reiterated on After that disappointment it was people asked Garrett to explain why how far we have to go before we can Garrett’s turn to move motion compos­ they should receive our vote. I think come close to achieving true equality. ite 2 Racial Discrimination and Black that Garrett is the one with his finger on He gave statistics to prove that black Workers. His speech was fluent, very the pulse and whoever he recommends and ethnic people are still less likely to educational and well delivered which should be unquestionable as doubting be employed and those who are fortu­ meant it sailed through unanimously his judgement may dent his confidence nate to have employment still earn less giving us our first victory at the and negate his position. than their white counterparts. conference. A minute’s silence was asked by We were feeling pretty positive by Friday 16th April 1999 Roland for a black youth who died days now until a shop steward from TGWU The first day’s work started with the after eight police officers restrained him spoke on the Skychef dispute. He out­ delegation running through the 47 whilst in their custody. lined the management’s tactics of bully­ motions for conference and discussing The voting procedures and protocol ing the workforce, and how refusing to each one on whether or not we support for conference was explained to all with meet with the recognised officials had or oppose. time limits and restrictions set. forced them into a stalemate. They The debate’s were extremely lively to A host of speakers got up to the ros­ would not go to an independent arbi­ say the least but with Nnam as chair trum and spoke passionately and elo­ trator, leaving only one route for the (self appointed again) good order was quently on subjects ranging from workforce which was Industrial Strike kept throughout. The views of all were Fairness at Work through to Role Action. He then explained how manage­ vast and varied which gave everyone Models. ment sacked all members on strike something to think about. Finally, we One speaker in particular from the including those members on the sick 24

TUC Black Workers’ Conference 1999 (from left) Nnam Samuels, Kevin Yip, Carl St. The FBU delegation Paul and Garrett Brooks. who had stated they would back strike police showed no compassion and lis­ drop, especially from the FBU action. tening to her talk about the love a contingent. Conference gave their support to the mother has for her son, I had a lump in Carl was expressing a point (I think) strike and donations were collected. my throat, being a father of a boy the to make the most impact on confer­ same age, I admit I cried. I cried with ence. Although there was an opposition Saturday 17th April 1999 anger at the police and a racist society, to the motion I think it was Carl’s hon­ The most argued motion of the I cried with hatred at the people who esty that won the day (the FBU were on morning was composite 6 Ethnic could commit such a crime with no a role). Or it could have been a well remorse, and I cried mainly for a written motion executed and delivered mother who had the son she loved so by a welt rehearsed speaker. horribly stolen away from her and a After that I went to bed and died. country that does not really care enough. Sunday 18th April 1999 People might think my last statement a bit harsh. Ricky Reel and Stephen This morning’s business went Lawrence are only two of many, racial through with no hitches it seemed murders deaths in Britain. We all know everyone was of the same mind or it it goes on, we all know it is wrong we could have been a hangover from last are all sympathetic and most of us do night’s excellent and multi-cultural nothing about it. That is why it still entertainment, either way everything goes on today. That is why when a col­ went without a hitch. The results of the lection was asked for some black peo­ ballot for the TUC Race Relations Garrett Brooks ple avoided the bucket collections like Committee saw Garrett get re-elected the plague. with 190 votes which was fifth highest Monitoring. The mover gave statistics out of 15 candidates. Which highlights on how bad black people (mainly On a lighter note I have to say that the hard work Garrett has done in rep­ males) are doing in school and how eth­ this was not the only shock I had in resenting us all. nic monitoring was the only way to find store at conference. and solve the problem. The case Composite 13 Accountability of Public The only business left was a vote on against was based on how reclassifying Servants was moved by Carl St. Paul on who were the most popular delegates. and re-diversifying is not the right way behalf of the FBU. Carl was his usual It came as no surprise to me that the to spend the small resources at hand. immaculate self. Speaking with an FBU won the first prize (it must have been Ian’s sharp dress sense!) which The motion stood. assured confidence. Before lunch Ms Sukhdev Reel spoke He alerted conference to a certain was warmly accepted by all. on the murder of her son Lakhvinder DCFO from GMC and a speech he gave An overall view of conference from (Ricky) and the offhand, disgraceful to a recruits’ course. Now we may be an FBU observer’s position, is that all manner in which the police handled or well aware of the contents of that who represented the FBU did so with more accurately mishandled the sensi­ speech, but when Carl revealed to a dignity and pride. They were a credit to tive situation. packed conference that he was black our Union to BAEMM and most of all to Hearing Sukhdev speak on how the and gay you could have heard a pin themselves. 25

STILL NO ANSWERS TO STEPHEN AND RICKY DEATHS

CAN’T GO into this report about my observations at the because we, black workers, all want justice and fairness Black Workers’ TUC without mentioning the late, great Ian within the workplace and society. IBrighton. It was the sad occasion of Ian's funeral that Our next speaker was Garrett Brooks who spoke on racial accounted for my late arrival in Blackpool. I make no apolo­ discrimination and black workers. Again, I was informed that gies for that. it was a good speech. I missed that as well. Talk about a I would like to take this opportunity to express how report by proxy! proud I felt and how wonderful it was to see 200 London I heard our next speaker, Nam Samuels, quite clearly! Nam Brigade firefighters and black and ethnic minority members speaks well, precisely, while relating to conference on a from other brigades forming a guard “street level” of language, yet Nam of honour and paying our respects to manages to attain the right amount such a happy-go-lucky, well re­ of professionalism and seriousness spected person. This left me in a very ROSALIE JONES about his subject which was “institu­ solemn mood as I travelled up to tionalised racism”. Blackpool. REFLECTS ON THE Carl St. Paul, the National I finally arrived in Blackpool at Secretary (BEAMM), was our last about 11.00 p.m., met up with Carl St. 1999 BLACK speaker. His speech was the first Paul and proceeded to the hotel to after lunch, which was unlucky as the meet the other FBU delegates. There WORKERS’ TUC venue was still settling down. were six delegates and two He spoke on “accountability of observers, of which I was one. CONFERENCE IN public servants”. Carl tells stories They were Kevin Yip (Derbyshire), and describes scenarios when getting Ian Lloyd (Cheshire), Paul Ahmed BLACKPOOL his point across. He showed compar­ (Tyne and Wear), Carl St. Paul, Mickey isons with the fire service and his Nicholas, Garrett Brooks and Nam role as a firefighter to the police and Samuels (all from London). Sam Gordon (West Midlands), police constables. who I really looked forward to seeing, had injured her foot He brought home how irresponsible the police are when and was unable to attend. I hope she has recovered and is dealing with similar cases to the Stephen Lawrence debacle. feeling fine. Had the police’s reaction been what we expect from such an Even though Carl and myself had missed Friday after­ important public service, we would never have heard of noon’s proceedings, it had already fallen behind schedule, Doreen and Neville Lawrence. They wouldn’t have had to so I hadn't missed too much. The other observer (Paul fight for justice for their dead son. Had it been one of us, Ahmed) informed me that I had missed a good and thought- within the fire service, admitting we didn’t know what to do provoking speech from Mickey Nicholas opposing a motion after 25 years’ service, resulting in the escape of known of zero tolerance for racist and other unacceptable behaviour felons and an unsolved murder, we would surely be made in the workplace. accountable. Our delegation felt that it was not a realistic task/motion. Carl’s speech was better than my words can describe and We lost the vote, but it got the FBU noticed and, for once, although the venue wasn’t full when he started, he had someone was actually speaking in opposition of a motion. I everyone's attention by the time he was finished. After wasn’t there, but the reports were positive. speaking Carl had delegates congratulating him on his com­ Throughout the conference I noticed so many of the ments up until we left. Well done Carl, as always, you made motions were seconded and supported by many speakers BEAMM and the FBU feel very proud. 26

Other speeches at conference went straight to my heart. Daniel De Gale’s parents asked conference to volunteer We heard Neville Lawrence thanking everyone for their sup­ for blood testing and to register on the UK Bone Marrow reg­ port throughout the years of struggle and letting us know it ister in order to help their son and other black children who was the sixth anniversary of Stephen’s death (murder!). It have just a one in 120,000 chance in finding a match. White has a special significance for me as Stephen Lawrence was children have a one in five chance. killed on my birthday and still no one has been held respon­ sible or found guilty. BALLOT On the last day, the results of the TUC Race Relations INCOMPETENT Committee ballot were announced. Our current representa­ We heard from Mrs. Sukhdev Reel, an Asian mother tive, Garrett Brooks, was duly re-elected with 190 votes. Well whose son was also murdered in a racist attack and is still done. (two years later) fighting for justice. Once again nothing has The Chair of Conference, Mr. Roland Biosah, kept every­ been done. The police investigation was incompetent. Mrs. one entertained and in order with his dry sense of humour. Reel, a woman once soft but now hardening due to circum­ I would also like to thank my fellow observer Paul Ahmed for stances life has brought her way, made me weep as I lis­ occasionally nudging me and informing me of things I tened to her grief. I was not alone. A collection was in missed and telling me who’s who and finally, to Carl and process throughout the conference to help her family’s fight Nam for talking them to death on the journey home. I for justice. They have been refused Legal Aid! didn’t stop talking. Not once.

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impromptu enquiry by the Guv’nor on their return. ONE MAN’S VIEW Now I read of stations being randomly closed to ‘save money’ and our pin-striped friends moving the goal-posts AS an Out of Trade London firefighter, I have to express to suit their argument, with veiled threats of a defunct my increasing concerns over the insidious but steady decline in public services; not just in the Fire Service, but pension scheme if personnel won’t co-operate. Recently in the Bexley and Sidcup areas residents have been in our civilized fabric of society as a whole. The people in informed that Fire Risk classifications have been pin-stripe suits who lead our country, a country which once led the world in its standards of civil infrastructure, downgraded to ‘C’ and ‘D’ risks. To the average person in the street of course, this means nothing. To the more seem to be trapped into a malady of retrograde self politically aware amongst us, it means that further cuts destruction. What troubles me most is that they seem to can be justified by the Home Office without recrimination march under a banner of cost cutting in public service in the near future. areas! Is it not a fact of modern civilisation that the very We have seen the Police Force surreptitiously quality of life itself depends upon an infrastructure of dismantled over the years to the point where the only good public services? Quality of life, security and caring policeman you will see is in the local shopping precinct. are the very benchmarks which separate us from our (Whilst crime elsewhere escalates). Are we now to watch as Fire Brigades are surreptitiously dismantled with fire primitive ancestors! deaths escalating also? Every citizen with an IQ above 10 knows that these things have to be paid for, and although no-one likes The curious thing is about lack of funds for things like public services and the NHS: if the Prime Minister fancies paying taxes, very few would complain if they can see the results of their contributions. a war to establish his credentials, a couple of billion Why then has ‘Tax’ become such a dirty word, and why pounds can be found at the drop of a hat! Are we really operating under a Socialist Government? Or doesn’t it do the citizens of Great? Britain dolefully watch like docile matter one way or the other? sheep as the very quality of their lives is dismantled BILL LANGWORTH around them so that our pin-stripe leaders can win a few Out of Trade Member votes? I read of ill informed nit-wits like Teresa Gorman suggesting that fire brigades are over rated and over staffed, and that a couple of firemen in a car with lengths REDUNDANCIES of hose in the boot could do just as well. (But not in her THE bigger the company mergers the bigger the profits. area no doubt). And the bigger the number of redundancies too. I recall my days in London in the ’fifties when it was A recent example of this is provided by the the proud (and honest) boast of stations that their amalgamation of British Petroleum and Amoco, which has average attendance times were just two minutes, and if made a profit of no less than £1.4 billion, an increase of the Rescue Machine took longer than 30 seconds to drive 19 per cent, in the last three months. over the forecourt on a call they would be lined up for an More than 12,500 employees have lost their jobs in the last year, and Sir John Browne, the Chief Executive, has Out of Trade admitted there will be a further 2,000 redundancies by the coming December. Membership “There is no doubt,” a City analyst comments, “Browne Members are reminded that the fee to become an can be ruthless when it comes to cutting jobs.” Out of Trade Member of the Union is £10 for five Although oil prices have fallen for the time being years. motorists can see that the price of petrol has steadily gone up. BP Amoco is to extend its oil exploration in the Visit us on www.fbu-ho-org.uk or Gulf of Mexico, Indonesia, Azerbaijan and Trinidad. E-mail us at: [email protected] So the rich grow richer while the poor grow poorer, as 28

Letters You write to FireFighter the saying goes. I believe that if the Labour government is to retain NEW LABOUR - support there must be an early and substantial redistribution of wealth. It should start by taxing these OLD STORY super profits and the high incomes they provide at least to their former tax levels, and devote the savings to the MILLIONS of workers who voted New Labour share the health service, education, pensions, housing and anger and frustration expressed by Wayne Shields and provision of jobs for the unemployed. John Wilson in their letters last month. Far from getting FRANK ALLAUN better, under New Labour things have got worse. They’ve kept the Tory anti-trade union laws, slashed our jobs and services and delivered tax cuts for the rich while attacking benefits for the poor. THANKS TO Now they want to take away our right to strike. Not even Thatcher who banned trade unions from GCHQ had THOMPSONS the nerve to ban strikes in the public sector. But New I WOULD like to put on record and express my sincere Labour’s agenda of protecting the rich means confronting thanks to Mr. Simon Tordoff and the Specialist Claims ordinary workers. That’s why they’re attacking us and Team of Thompsons Solicitors (Sheffield Branch). This is that’s why New Labour doesn’t deserve our support. for their combined complete professionalism shown in The truth is that Blair and his government is dealing with my successful loss of hearing claim (Partial desperate to smash our union. Their aim is to Deafness and Tinnitus) against my ex-employers. My discipline all the unions in the public sector so they thanks are also extended to two ex-Fire Brigades Union can force through even more cuts. They want to Officials (now OOT) Mr. Kevin Osbourne and Mr. Geoff Still increase the profits of the bosses at the expense for their help and advice with my claim. of our jobs and services and they are confident to Initially, I approached a local company of Solicitors, act like this because they haven’t faced a serious who when informed that I was an ex-Fire Brigade challenge from our union leaders yet. There’s plenty of employee they categorically did not want to get involved talk, but there’s very little action and it's action that with the case. But they stated that if I’d have been a counts. member of the NCB (National Coal Board) they would Because of the continued attacks, the members of my have been only too pleased to handle the case as they branch at Islington FBU have gone further than were more or less guaranteed success. I then approached demanding an end to FBU funding of the Labour Thompsons Solicitors via the Fire Brigades Union who Party and have voted for the FBU to disaffiliate from the also seemed a little doubtful that I would have any Labour Party altogether. We think our union should back success, based on past attempts of similar claims around genuine socialist candidates who share the aims and the country. However, after several years of letter writing objectives of the FBU. We also think we should be and meetings with Audiologists and Solicitors my ex­ balloting for national strike action now to defend the employers finally admitted liability and my claim was Grey Book. The more we delay, the more New Labour settled. attacks us. Therefore, my advice to any members (serving or OOT) Moreover, we understand that unless we stand is do not be put off claiming. You must contact the Fire up to New Labour politically the attacks will Brigades Union and Thompsons Solicitors. continue. That’s why we went to the lobby of the It is very comforting to know that we have such Labour Party conference in Bournemouth on the 26th excellent professional people available to deal with September. Thousands of workers who are sick of New serious cases of this nature. Labour were there to show them our anger and our DOUG NICHOLSON commitment to fight back. Ex-Wakefield City & West Yorkshire Fire Brigade NEALE WILLIAMS Now OOT Member ECG3 Secretary 29

Letters You write to FireFighter A CASE OF OFF YOUR BIKE PRESS RELEASE EVERYONE has heard the statement made famous by A PRESTON fireman who was injured cycling to work, has Mr. Norman Tebbit “on your bike”, but this is a case of “off just recovered a six figure sum in damages after being hit your bike” . by a car whose driver gave the police false details at the In September 1996 I was cycling into Preston Fire Station, scene of the accident. when I was involved in a road traffic accident, I was knocked Fifty-one year old Peter Maher suffered permanent off my pedal cycle, the injuries I received in the accident injuries to his shoulder and upper right arm, which have resulted in me being retired out of the fire service five years forced him to retire from the fire brigade after 25 years’ early on medical grounds. I retired on the 31st January 1998 service. after almost 25 years’ service. His case was fought by personal and industrial injury I would like to take this opportunity to thank the FBU and specialists, Thompsons Solicitors of Manchester, for whom Mr. Mike Duffy of Thompsons Solicitors (Manchester) for his Mr. Maher’s lawyer, Mike Duffy, commented: “ Peter was invaluable assistance and advice, over the last three years fortunate in being a member of the FBU who supported with the result Thompsons agreeing a successful claim for him in his claim. Without his Union membership and their injuries I received in the road accident. backing, he would have found it more difficult to pursue his case privately.” Once again many thanks to the FBU and Thompsons Despite attempts by the police to trace the driver Solicitors for giving me their full support and representation. involved in the accident, he remains undetected. PETER MAHER Consequently, Mr. Maher’s solicitors, Thompsons, had to OOT member pursue a claim via the Motor Insurers’ Bureau under the (ex-Lancashire County Fire Service) untraced drivers’ scheme. Said Peter Maher after receiving news of his settlement, “I am grateful to both Mike Duffy at Thompsons and my trade union, the Reminder FBU, for their expertise and support. I am desperately sorry not to be able to see out the last few years of my fire brigade service Members are reminded to advise their doing the job I loved, but at least I have got Brigade Membership Secretary of any just reward for my injuries.” change of address. Head Office should be advised of any changes of next of kin or nomination for benefits BRADLEY HOUSE 68 COOMBE ROAD KINGSTON UPON THAMES NEW LESBIAN AND GAY MEMBERS ADDRESS SURREY KT2 7AE http://website.lineone.net/~flag.ship. TELEPHONE: 0181-541 1765 HARASSMENT? BULLYING? DISCRIMINATION? General Secretary FBU HELPLINE KEN CAMERON 0800 783 4778 3 2

25YEARS Bro. John Johnston receiving his 25 year badge from Bro. Dave Black, Branch Chair, Perth. Bro. John "Jock" Alexander receives « M § badgefrom Bro. Willie Grierson, Branch Secretary, Perth. his 25 year

Bro. Dave Rutter receiving his 25 year badge from Bro. Dave Black, Branch Chair, Perth.

Station Officer Dave Goldsmith and Firefighter Ray Bro. Harry Lennon receiving his 25 year badge from Cunningham being presented with their 25 year badges by Firefighter Nick Caley, Branch Secretary F38 Romford Bro. Dave Black, Branch Chair, Perth. London Fire Brigade.

Bro. John Boyd receiving his 25 year badge from Bro. Dave Black, Branch Chair, Perth.

Bro. Norrie Young receiving his 25 year badge from Bro. Dave Black, Branch Chair, Perth. Firefighter Ian Fell, receiving his 25 year badge, from Branch Secretary, Leading Firefighter Tony McDonald.

Bro. Bob "Patty" Paterson receiving his 25 year badge from Bro. Willie Grierson, Branch Secretary, Perth.

Bro. Alan Raynor — Old Swan Fire Station FP receiving his 25 year badge from Peter Hough, Branch Campbell Secretary. Scott receiving his 25 year badge fromBro. Willie Grierson, Branch Secretary, Perth. 31

2 5

London Region Officers' National Committee representative Mike Massey presents Fire B«gade ' * * So“them c ^ A"an SDO Paul Godfrey with his 25 year badge. YEARS

Bro. G raham Foster receives his 25 year badge from Keith Mangnall Regional Chair W ales at Colw yn Bay Fire Station,

North W ales. Assistant Brigade Secretary, Shaun O'Neill, presents Bros.Bob(Bones) Jones and Rog Townsend, both ogMereway Station,Northants withtheir 25year badges. Alsopictured isBro.SheldonFenning (Branch Health &Safety Rep.) onthe occasion ofBro.Townsend's retirement.

Bros. Andy Saban, Nick Ginty, Ray Mooney (Regional Treasurer), Ray Spry and Chris Ovenden, receiving their 25 year badges from Jim Fitzpatrick MP (ex London firefighter) on the terrace at the House of Commons. Sub Officer John Kenny - Old Swan Fire Station FPreceiving his 25 year badge from Peter Hough,Branch Secretary.

Branch Chair Mick King presenting a tie to Bro. Mike Baker Blue Watch Moulton for 30 years’ FBU membership.

Steve Whyte, Branch Representative for Leytonstone, receiving his25 year badge from Gordon Vassell. Bros. Paul Sampson and Tony Stone receiving their25 year badges from the Watch Commander Bro.Dean Bird, Eastern Command Officers' Chair.

Branch Secretary Darren Taylor presenting Sub Officer Bro. Russ Fern White Watch with his 25 year badge. Moulton Branch Chairman Mick Kingpresenting Bro Jan Rolfe with atie for serving30 years as amember of the FBU. 2 5 YEARS Bro. Nigel Brown receiving his 25 year badgefrom Regional Treasurer Bro. KeithHandscombe.

Branch Secretary Darren

Taylor presentingBro. Dick Moore Blue Watch, Moulton, withhis 25 Bro. Alan Froisin (left) receiving his 25 yearbadge from Steve McNiel (BrigadeChairperson). year badge. Retired Brigade Chair S. Pickering presents Bro. Trevor Bailey with his 25 year badge.

Branch Chairman Mike Kims presenting Bro. B r o . "Charlie" Wilson receiving Alan Tucker Red Watch, Moulton, with his 25 year badge. his 25 year badge from Steve McNiel (Brigade Chairperson).

Bro. John Lavell (right) receiving his 25 year badge from Steve McNiel (Brigade Chairperson).

Bro. Pony Moore (left) receiving his25 year badge from Bro. BarrieMay (Essex FBU Membership Secretary) Blue Watch Southendlooking on.

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