Fbu Supports Homerton Eleven 2

ESTABLISHED 1918 JOURNAL OF THE FIRE BRIGADES UNION F ir e F ig h t e r VOL 28 NO. 1 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2000

FBU SUPPORTS HOMERTON ELEVEN 2

CONFERENCE TRESSELL FESTIVAL 2000 HE Robert Tressell Centre has been set up, with the support of Trade Unions both locally and nationally, to preserve and promote the memory of Robert Tressell author HE Annual Conference this Tof the classic working class novel, The Ragged Trousered Philanthropist. One of the year will have many significant major undertakings of the group is the Robert Tressell Festival, the second of which will be Telements contained within it, held over the weekend of the 27th/28th May 2000. The inaugural event last year was a great apart from the fact that it will be success with trade unionists and other enthusiasts travelling from around the country to the first of the new millennium. Hastings. Apart from the Festival the group are trying to introduce a whole new generation To mark this occasion it is of readers to this wonderful work via schools and libraries. For further information please proposed to produce for the week contact Dee Daly at the Robert Tressell Centre, 84 Bohemia Road, St Leonards on Sea, East of Conference, in print and on the Sussex, TN37 6RN or visit the website at: www.1066.net/tressell Website, a Conference 2000 special edition of Firefighter. To do this the Executive Council need your help. THOMPSONS & THE FBU The Journal will hopefully contain articles, letters, and photos of how UNION LEGAL SERVICES this Union has grown and evolved over the 20th Century and also NION legal services are substantially cheaper than any other legal expenses look forward to how it will progress insurance, according to a TUC survey, Focus on Union Legal Services. For an average in to the 21st. There will be articles Ucost to each member of £3 a year, union members got a total compensation of £308 from the retiring General Secretary million last year. The survey produced annually, found that last year: and the current President. Also The total compensation figure was up nearly 10 per cent on the previous year and was Thompson’s (FBU Solicitors), TUC, the second highest ever reported: and the Labour Party. Unions win almost all the personal injury cases taken (96 per cent) and Whatever your contribution, or Over 50,000 personal injury cases were settled with the help of trade unions during the memory, past present or looking year — one case every two minutes — while another 850 were taken through the Criminal forward, to this great union, please Injuries Compensation Scheme. consider submitting something for Unions are responsible for breaking boundaries on occupational illness. In 1998 they won possible inclusion in this historic test cases on chronic bronchitis, emphysema and vibration white finger and are setting the publication. pace for call-centre workers winning cases on acoustic shock and voice loss. All materials submitted will be Union legal services are now expanding beyond the workplace, with 94 per cent of union returned, and where possible members and their families now covered by free assistance for road traffic accidents. please send them via the Internet However, over and above those services, mentioned in this article, the Fire Brigades Union to: [email protected] offers a much more comprehensive service to members than those quoted above. We use failing this an old fashioned the Law firm of Thompsons for various matters of legal assistance and research, such as: envelope to Head Office will do. ■ advice on industrial Law; The closing date for any ■ analysis and written guidance on legislation; ■ trade disputes and ballots; submissions is 3rd April 2000. ■ QC’s written advice on various matters; ■ appeals etc to the High Court; ■ and for pursuing more generic issues such as the current challenge we are pursuing through the European Commission against the UK Government's interpretation of various EDITORS NOTE aspects of health and safety legislation. IN the November Firefighter's article The comprehensive service, although free to members at the point of service does how­ Some things you thought you could ever, involve the union in quite considerable costs which are of course paid from member’s rely on the author was Alan Stark and contributions. not Mark Simmons as printed. The Executive Council is convinced however, that the money spent on legal services each The final paragraph on page 25 year is money well spent. should have read ‘10 weeks' rather They are also aware that the quality of solicitors and QCs we use cannot be equalled; than ‘10 months’. We apologise for hence our extremely high success rate in for example Personal Injury cases. these errors. Dave Patton, National Officer 3

Comment From your General Secretary WE ARE NOT INFLEXIBLE

HE Inquiry into Fire Service gesting improvements to the Industrial Relations is ongo­ existing negotiating machinery. I Ting with Professor Burchill believe that any truly construc­ taking written and verbal evi­ tive suggestions put forward dur­ dence from interested parties. ing this process, coupled with The situation from our point of real commitment to providing a view has changed little, if at all, safe and efficient Fire Service for from my circular 99HOC815KC the public, can offer a way for­ and the leaflet “They think it’s all ward. However, no way forward over” from National Officer, Andy must ignore the right of those Gilchrist. Our submission is well providing the Service to be treat­ on the way to being produced ed with dignity and respect in and will of course, meet the relation to their pay and condi­ Professor’s deadline. When com­ tions; it must encompass the plete, it will be circulated sentiments in the agreed concept throughout the Union in order satisfactory resolution. It was, of “Best Employment”. that all members can see what is after all, our current Employers “Quality Services should mean being said on their behalf. who denied our Retained quality employment . . . there is It is fair to say that at this Member sick pay, leaving her a simple truth — how you treat time, our evidence will be both almost homeless. Most recently your employees is crucial to the detailed and constructive. in GMC, West Yorkshire and quality of the service that they Drawing on the factual events of London tried to tear up National provide to the community.” recent years, we will hope to Conditions and negotiating Finally, it is an important time show that the FBU is not averse machinery. for the FBU for another reason. to either change or modernisa­ The other criticism is that we There is currently an election for tion where this improves the take strike action too readily; the future General Secretary of Service provided to the public then the facts — only one the Union. I would simply ask and does not worsen the work­ national strike in the whole of that all members use their vote ing lives of our members. the 20th Century, recent local and in doing so, be guided only Far from being confrontational, strikes only to defend fire cover by official FBU materials promul­ an accusation that is as offensive or most recently in Essex, to gated by Head Office or our bal­ as it is inaccurate, we will show maintain proper levels of fire lot organisation, ERBS. that in all recent disputes the cover and public safety. KEN CAMERON FBU has sought to negotiate a Despite this, we will be sug­ General Secretary 4 FBU SUPPORTS LONDON’S SUSPENDED MEMBERS

MEETING of the Fire Brigades let our members at Homerton be epidemic during the New Year. This Union’s (FBU) London Regional victimised. is not true. According to the Committee on Friday 7th January A As part of the Regional Committee’s Department of Health, there was unanimously agreed on a campaign to campaign to defend our victimised just the usual seasonal increase in defend 11 members suspended at members at Homerton, a number of influenza cases. Homerton Fire Station for allegedly initiatives have been agreed. Please • He refers to “the sp e cia l circum­ refusing to work with personnel doing mark these dates in your diary: stances brought about by the overtime on New Year’s Eve and New • 4th February — Demonstration — Millennium celebrations”. Yet when Year’s Day. assemble at Homerton we asked the Brigade for a The campaign will include marches • 7th February — Blue Watch Day of Millennium bonus to be paid to and lobbies and will lead to a strike Action on-duty personnel at the BJCF ballot next month if disciplinary action • 9th February— Green Watch Day of in February, their response was is not dropped. Action that “this was a normal part of The suspended members at • 11th February — White Watch Day Brigade activity”. When we ask Homerton did not actually refuse to of Action for more money they describe work with anybody, because nobody • 14th February — Red Watch Day of New Year’s Eve as “normal activity" working overtime came to the station. Action but when the Chief wants to They worked normally throughout New • 28th February — Lobby of Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. break the FBU’s overtime ban he Southwark Town Hall (Cllr. Tony The only time that the public were Ritchie). describes it as “special placed at risk was when the Green circumstances”. Misleading information has been put Watch were ordered by Management out by the Chief Fire Officer regarding The Chief has extended his “sincere not to attend a call as they were about the events at Homerton. A number of thanks on a job well done” to all those to be suspended from duty. facts need to be made clear: who worked on New Year’s Eve. For The FBU has had a ban on pre­ • Contrary to the Chiefs claim those who worked at Homerton, their arranged overtime since 1974 as a that “two watches at one Station thanks has been suspension from duty means of ensuring that working hours have decided to take unofficial for daring to support their union and were reduced and that staff shortages action”, no unofficial action raise objections to pre-arranged are reduced by recruitment, not was taken at Homerton. No stand­ overtime. overtime. by’s on overtime came to the FBU Executive Council Member Having spent most of 1999 trying Station. Both watches worked nor­ to break the FBU by tearing up the Mick Shaw said: “The London Fire mally, with on-duty stand-by’s. The Grey Book and imposing second class and Civil Defence Authority spent only fire call that was not attended most of 1999 attacking our contracts, the Chief and the LFCDA was one by Green Watch, who were national agreement and attempting to decided to end the year by trying to ordered by a Senior Officer not to break our ban on pre-arranged impose second class contracts of attend. It was Management’s employment. They decided to end overtime. actions that put the public at risk, the year by trying to break our over­ We successfully defended the Grey not our members’. time ban. We will not stand back and Book. We cannot allow them to get • The Chief claims that there was a flu away with this latest attack. Front cover photo: Andrew Wiard 5

LONDON REGION NEWS REPORT

SUPPORT THE HOMERTON 11

URING the last week the FBU Regional Office has been inundated with enquires and demands for action to defend our suspended members from DHomerton Fire Station. At a packed and angry emergency meeting of the London Regional Committee held on the 7th January, 2000, a strategy was agreed to defend the Homerton 11 following the Brigades failure to lift the suspensions and drop all disciplinary action. Part of that strategy was to arrange Branch meetings across the whole region to discuss the situation and take a vote on the following model resolution. MODEL RESOLUTION “This branch supports the FBU’s ban on pre-arranged overtime which has led to reduced working hours and has maintained the value of the pay formula. “We fully support the 11 members at Homerton who have been suspended from duty for supporting the overtime ban and demand that the Chief Fire Officer immediately re-instates them and drops all disciplinary action. “In order to achieve those objectives we fully support the campaign of the London Region and will support strike action if the Chief Fire Officer refuses to agree.” Further information on the agreed strategy will be provided at your Branch meeting. Ensure you attend to hear an accurate account of the events over the millennium weekend and have the opportunity to add your support. Messages of support have already been received from MPs, many other unions and firefighters from around the country. If you haven’t done so already send your message of support to Homerton Fire Station. REINSTATE THE HOMERTON 11 6

ARE OUR RIGHTS IN NEED OF RESCUE?

VER the last two years meetings have been taking ing towards the possibility of the repeal of the anti-trade place throughout the country on the theme of union laws that had previously been put in place. Oreclaiming our rights. Trade union activists from However, with this government now aiming to maintain a many unions, leading politicians and others have been “centre-left” (read right-wing) stance on all policies and involved in wide-ranging discussions to actions many in the movement are now promote the idea that the government frustrated at the employer-friendly poli­ must redress the balance between cies of this government enacted in the rights and responsibilities on the part various bills passed such as the of the trade union movement, a bal­ Statutory Minimum Wage, Parental ance that was overwhelmingly tilted Leave, Working Time etc. . . . Despite away from the rights of the trade the sentiments expressed by the vari­ unions in favour of the rights of the ous ministers and MPs who helped put employers by the Tory governments of forward and then draft this legislation it 1979-97. is clear that the new ERA never was and POSITIVE never claimed to be a tool for removing the previous anti-trade union legisla­ In late November a meeting of tion. To many activists the legislation is the London branch of Reclaim our Rights was held at Birkbeck College, as bad as it is because many of their University of London, which was unions failed to fight their corner addressed by Tony Benn MP and believing instead the platitudes John Hendy QC, amongst others, where expressed by their so-called friends in a positive action plan of ideas was by government and the proposals put for­ formulated by the 50 or so people ward in the original Green and White present for the central ROR organising Les Reid Papers. The trade union movement is committee to look towards in response official now shackled to a piece of legislation to the introduction of the new that is extremely vague and negative Employment Relations Act (The Fairness London and which opens the way for many at Work Bill). The meeting also employers, unscrupulous and other­ discussed the recent industrial action at Wandsworth wise, to challenge, deny or even dis­ Council undertaken by Unison members, the lightning criminate against trade unions and their members — a strikes which had occurred at various Postal Branches of fundamental denial of even the most basic human rights the Communication Workers’ Union in London and else­ that would please Margaret Thatcher and her followers no end. where, the anti-racist activities and strikes in Fords at Dagenham and the activities of the FBU in combating the BALLOT NJC Employers proposals. The main thrust of the debate and workshops centred Proposals include Statutory Recognition where unions on the response trade unions and their activists should must have well over 50 per cent membership or win a bal­ consider to the recent legislation introduced by the lot to be recognised at a workplace (a right that even MPs government. Since the election of the New Labour do not need to be elected to their positions of authority), Government in 1997 many trade unionists have been look­ with a vast legal process to be undertaken to make this occur, ceilings for IT claims, recognition of voluntary organ­ 7

Claire Short MP John Hendy QC Tony Benn MP

isations and agreements for collective representation (i.e. the UK. As long as this government continues its current staff associations etc . . .), and the infamous eight week programme then the workers are unlikely to overcome any protection for striking workers which will still not force of the problems facing them, such as job security, pay, employers to give sacked workers their jobs back if they hours of work, conditions of employment, protection over successfully complain to ITs following lawful industrial withdrawal of labour etc. . . . this was a view echoed by action but may allow the employers to drag out any dis­ John Hendy QC and demonstrated in graphic detail during putes as it is unclear when the eight week protection limit the discussions of the other speakers and the problems begins. faced by their unions in recent times. To this end we need There is a ray of hope in this and that is the new to lobby our MPs and local labour parties to support this Employment Rights (International Obligations) Bill written new legislation and ensure that it is enacted as soon as by John Hendy QC, presented by Tony Benn MP and sup­ possible for the benefit of workers in all industries and ported by many Labour MPs. This symbol of workers solu­ areas of society. tions for workers problems would force the government to ratify the International Labour Organisation Conventions CAUSE and the UN Declaration of Human Rights (1948), and thus There is also the activities of the ROR organisation. With repeal much of the anti-trade union legislation and allow its aim of promoting the rights of trade unions and their trade unions and their members to once again enjoy the members in line with those enjoyed elsewhere their posi­ rights they lost. The bill would do away with many of the tive rights action plan may help to promote the cause of “rights” proposed in the ERA and clearly redress the bal­ the trade union movement in such areas as collective and ance over employer/employee relations. It would also put individual rights, rights on information on Health and into place conventions which would give workers the Safety matters and workplace systems of work etc. . . ., human and trade union rights long enjoyed by our part­ political activity and workplace protection, the legal ners and comrades elsewhere in the world, rights which enforcement of agreements on both sides, national pay we helped to draw up in the late 1940s with the UN and bargaining, day one protection and many others. Because which we, according to Clare Short MP at the recent WTO of the pro-active stance taken by the FBU on many of conference, wish to confer on other developing countries these issues in the past it is vital that we take a full and as they move forward. active part in the work of the ROR organisation to promote these ideas so that we can achieve our ultimate aim as ACTIVE stated in our rule book — namely the “. . . bringing about As outlined by Tony Benn, at the meeting, it is only by of the Socialist system of society”. the introduction of this bill that the workers of the United For the benefit of the FBU and its members, and the Kingdom can take a full and active part in the fight against wider trade union movement, we need to make our mem­ global capital and to mitigate the damage the forces of bers and our communities aware that just occasionally globalisation are causing to parliamentary democracy in even the rescuers need rescuing. The Fire Brigades Union 10th, 11th & 12th March 2000

NATIONAL WOMEN’S SEMINAR for FIRE CONTROL STAFF & FIREFIGHTERS at WORTLEY HALL, near SHEFFIELD OPEN TO ALL WOMEN MEMBERS

Workshops, discussion and sessions relevant to women in the Fire Service: ■ Uniforms. ■ Womens experiences/achievements. ■ Childcare and the way forward for working mothers in the Fire Service.

Guest speakers include:

■ Mel Stapper - U.S Firefighter - the American System.

■ A chance to meet and network with women in the Fire Service. ■ Accommodation, food, travel expenses and assistance provided. ■ Fantastic creche for all ages.

■ Health and fitness.

ASK YOUR FBU REP FOR AN APPLICATION FORM OR CONTACT HEAD OFFICE Tel: 0181 541 1765Tel:0181541 (Bradley House, 68 Coombe Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT2 7AE) 9 10 TAKING NO RISKS WITH THE ECONOMY

Y recent Pre-Budget Report took action to secure a We’ve also introduced the new winter fuel allowance to platform of stability and steady growth for the econ­ help pensions heat their homes — and increased it last year Momy. And through measures for work, enterprise and five-fold from £20 to £100. fairness, it aims to deliver rising living standards for all. It’s the equivalent of £2 a week extra to every pensioner One of our highest priorities is increasing employment household, which was paid before Christmas. And it will be opportunity for all. Our ambition for the next decade is that paid this year and every year whilst this Government is in there will be a higher percentage of people in employment power. than ever before. There were two other measures which will help the We’re extending the New Deal to give elderly. Many pensioners have managed people over the age of 25 better oppor­ to put some money aside to help them tunities to work and enhancing the New through retirement. They will be helped Deal for Lone Parents to help those who by the decision to extend the new lop want to work. tax starting rate to savings. The figures show there are more than And from next Autumn, those over 75 700,000 additional people in work than will get free TV licences. As saving of at the election — and a record number over £ 1oo for three million of our oldest of vacancies across the country. pensioners. And the New Deal has given thou­ The Pre-Budget statement showed sands of young people a stake in our Labour is determined to meet our coun­ country’s future. Thanks to the enthusi­ try’s debt to the oldest members of our asm of firms, big and small, the New society. And it showed the New Labour Deal has helped cut youth unemploy­ Government’s values in action. ment by 60 per cent since the election — We promised to modernise our coun­ and halved long-term unemployment. try and build a society based on the prin­ It’s been a great success. It’s why I Chancellor ciples of work, enterprise and fairness. announced we are going to extend the And that’s what we are doing. New Deal’s personalised help and sup­ Gordon Brown So we won’t take risks with the econ­ port to all age groups. omy. The hard decisions we took as soon I also announced an extra £12 million for childcare in fur­ as we came into power have helped deliver low inflation, low ther education, providing an extra 10,000 places. interest rates and low unemployment. It’s a prize we can’t - In addition to the extra £40 billion we are already deliv­ and won’t — throw away. ering for schools and hospitals, I announced that the extra FBU members know the importance of Britain’s public ser­ revenue raised from any real-terms increase in the duty on vices, so I know you’ll understand the importance of the cigarettes would go straight to the NHS. extra investment Labour has delivered. That means a 5 per cent increase in cigarettes would And because we have tackled Tory boom and bust and deliver £300 million extra investment for our hospitals and I made work pay through the minimum wage, the new lop tax announced that there will be an extra £150 million to mod­ rate and Working Families Tax Credit, unemployment is now ernise school buildings as well. lower than for 20 years. On top of that, I announced extra support for pensioners. In the Pre-Budget report, I also announced extra help to They suffered badly under the Tories and Labour has started those setting up new businesses and creating new jobs both to put that right. nationally and regionally. The Tories introduced VAT on fuel. We cut it, as we It’s a package to build a strong economy for the future promised. The Tories introduced eye test charges. We’ve and to create a fair society now. It’s a package which I abolished them. believe meets the priorities of FBU members. 11 WOMEN SPEAK OUT ON THEMATIC INSPECTION HE National Women’s Committee of the FBU has con­ The report is already being hijacked, used out of context sidered in detail the HMI Thematic Report on Equality and without consultation by some of the national Tand Fairness in the Fire Service. Employers in order to use women by way of scapegoating We have, alongside many of our male to implement changes to our Conditions of colleagues, read the sensationalist media Submitted by Service. coverage that arose as a result of it being • We are not in favour of a two-tier entry published. Vicky Knight system. In many instances we feel that the • The present shift system is one that media seriously misrepresented and National suits men and women, parent or non­ undermined the role women have in the Secretary parent and we would not wish to see it Fire Service. tampered with. We welcome large parts of the report. to the FBU • Flexibility for us not imposed on us. • YES there is an urgent need to recruit Parents need practical solutions to more women into the Fire Service. Women’s childcare problems, creches, child­ • YES Fire Brigades as organisations are Committee care payments, good paternity and “institutionally sexist” (the system not maternity agreements. the people). • We are fully committed to the watch based system and • YES there are a minority who subscribe to either racist, do not want to see our members pushed around from sexist or homophobic views. watch to watch. This is more likely to have a detrimen­ • YES there is a basic lack of facilities for women on fire tal effect on those from under-represented groups. stations and in control rooms. The National Women’s Committee do look forward in • YES there is a real urgency to review the fire service anticipation, to the POSITIVE steps forward that Brigades leadership. will take following this report. MEDIA SHOULD BE POSITIVE by Trevor Wainwright Wakefield Fire Station NOTHER Firefighter, and the dream. Muscular, sweating firemen with articles’. Yes I know it’s not true, there same old story, racism, sexism, smoke blackened faces battling fear­ are some damned good women A yes it should be stamped out but lessly against towering flames.” reporters. again those of us who feel this way Written by a Female, well it’s only a My point is that once again media again seem to have it rammed down bit of female fun you may say, but what hype giving the wrong impression, our throats. What is the cause of the if a Male reporter had done the same surely the media is an effective tool for myth surrounding the all male macho and written every young man’s dream promoting the so-called politically cor­ image. Well opening my local paper muscular, sexy, sweating firewomen rect image of today’s firefighter, in a what did I find? Now I really feel like a with smoke blackened faces. No multicultural, multigender, multiethnic Fireman was the article headline, writ­ doubt we would have had someone service, yet they only seem to bother ten by a female reporter who as she crying ‘sexism’ on the other hand when there is trouble. Surely it is in wrote “put herself in the hands of five could not the remark “it’s only a bit of that direction of promoting the positive hunks to get a feel of the hazards they female fun” be construed as sexist. In aspect that both union and manage­ face each day. And so to the opening some way inferring that all women ment should be looking at and the pos­ paragraph “It’s every young woman’s reporters are good for is writing ‘fun itive aspects reported. 12 A SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN IN GMC

N Friday 24th December 1999, under the auspices In an attempt to impose a settlement using the threat of of the National Joint Council an agreement ‘90 day notices’ (sign or be sacked) senior and other divi­ O between the Fire Brigades Union and the Greater sional officers were offered posts in the new Area Manchester Fire Authority was finally signed. Commands. The Fire Authority received its response on The signing of this agreement effectively brought an Tuesday 10th August, when 102 officers voted overwhelm­ end to a dispute, which throughout the summer and ingly to call for a ballot of the total membership of the autumn months of 1999 reverberated Brigade for strike action. The actual across the length of the UK fire service. resolution declared that: “The defence Initially, the dispute had developed as of negotiating rights should begin at a result of the Fire Authority’s plan to local level and extend to the National restructure GMC from five Divisions to Joint Council negotiating machinery”. three ‘Area Commands’. It was envis­ Under mounting pressure from the aged that this would have provided Fire Brigades Union the County Fire ‘savings’ of £750,000 and of course the Officer made a further improved offer loss of 21 jobs. on 13th August. The County Fire Officer The GMC officers’ branch was out­ stated that in the event of this offer raged by the lack of consultation and being rejected a settlement would be negotiation in this matter. They finally imposed. It was apparently clear forced the local employers to the nego­ however, that this offer did not tiating table on 12th March, 1999 when include recognition of the NJC disputes the National Joint Secretariat ruled that procedure. the restructure scheduled for 1st April should be postponed in order to allow Again, the CFO got the answer on ‘constructive and meaningful negotia­ Thursday 19th August, when at an offi­ tions to take place.’ by cers’ branch meeting 92 out of 105 members rejected the offer. Divisional Between March and June many, Officer Mike McClean who had refused many meetings took place both at Bob Pounder to sign the ‘new contract’ later summed national and local level, with little or Brigade Secretary up the situation. Speaking to the no success. Eventually, the Fire Manchester Evening News (13th Brigades Union concluded that dead­ September, 1999) he said: “All the offi­ lock could only be broken through the NJC Disputes cers agreed it would be wrong to sign the new contracts" Committee. Accordingly, the National Joint Secretaries con­ and added: “Effectively, we would sign away everybody firmed the resumption of the Disputes Panel for 29th July, 1999. elses conditions of service. We would be akin to scabs and pariahs if we signed these contracts”. However, this was taken over by other events, which Neither had the implications of the local employers’ had been developing at national level. The National intention been lost on the wider membership. On 10th Employers, frustrated in their attempts to realise the September, 1999 following widespread consultation, fire­ introduction of local flexibility, within the 58 brigades (as fighters, control staff, and officers gave the Fire Brigades part of the ‘National Negotiating Objectives’) suspended the National Joint Council. Union massive support for a strike ballot. At a meeting in the Lancastrian Hall, Swinton, 800 In the absence of the national negotiating machinery, members gathered to hear General Secretary, Ken the Greater Manchester Fire Authority was keen to exploit Cameron spell out the need to defend the National the situation through the introduction of local flexibility. Conditions of Service. This meeting was without question 13

one of the largest FBU meetings ever to take place in but for the whole of the national union, and was further Greater Manchester. When Ken ended his speech there added to when a ballot result of 77.8 per cent in favour could be no misjudging the mood of the membership. As of strike action was declared on 19th October, 1999. the meeting drew to a close a sea of hands unanimously Simultaneously, the Fire Brigades Union in West Yorkshire confirmed that a ballot for strike action would commence drove home a ‘yes’ vote for industrial action in the on 13th September, 1999. defence of annual leave arrangements. The Smash and The following day the Manchester Evening News Grab campaign and the convergence of local and nation­ reported that the union stands accused of: “Securing a al issues have brought a successful close to the 20th cen­ mandate by a campaign of misinformation aimed at prey­ tury for the Fire Brigades Union. ing on firefighter’s fear of what may happen in the future”. The FBU would do well to remember that the According to the county Fire Officer: “Firefighters had lost Employers have not retreated far. We are aware that an sight of what had always been a local issue and were now ‘independent inquiry’ into future arrangements for deter­ spearheading a national campaign which mining firefighters Conditions of Service will had nothing to do with the Divisional Review report its findings to the Government by 31st in Greater Manchester”. The March, 2000. Note the word N ational does A yes vote was now inevitable as it was not figure in the last sentence. becoming absolutely clear that the member­ National Neither should we forget that the previ­ ship were not going to allow the Fire ous Fire Service Minister, George Howarth Authority to drag the Fire Brigades Union Conditions MP wrote about ‘outmoded and unjustified back to a time when there was no National conditions of service for firefighters’ and that Joint Council. Of course, this position was of the union’s response in the defence of it’s not entirely at odds with the County Fire National Conditions of Service was a ‘relic of Officer’s statement in August when he wrote: an old and discredited confrontational “This dispute is purely about the fact that Service approach to industrial relations’. In a similar the FBU refuses to agree to the offer unless vein during and after our campaign in it is rubber stamped by the NJC”. Greater Manchester a tiny minority accused us of being ‘to Within a few weeks the National Employers were in confrontational’. retreat and by 12th October, 1999, had resolved that they At a time when our ‘right to strike’ as well as our would resume fully participation in NJC procedures’. The National Conditions of Service is under attack perhaps we following day the Greater Manchester Fire Authority would be advised to consider the words of Frederick declared that the Divisional Review: “Can now be consid­ Douglas, a black American freedom fighter. Douglas said: ered by the NJC Disputes Committee and Brigade “Without struggle there is no progress; And those who Management is available to attend a meeting of the profess to favour freedom, yet deprecate agitation are Disputes Committee at the earliest opportunity”. men who want crops without digging up the ground. This was obviously a decisive victory not just for GMC They want the ocean without the awful roar of its waters”. I THINK YOU CHAPS ARE GETTING ..SO I DON'T NEED W AGE... YOU'RE STILL THESE MINOR CHANGES TO Y O U R TO WORRY ABOUT GOING TO GET PAID! . CONTRACTS OUT OF PERSPECTIVE! MY WAGE BEING CUT! LET ME SEE THAT

SIGH! 14 LET’S MAKE A STAND!

CROSS the world, trade unionists are sacked, kid­ The snag of course, that if it’s just one pound a month, napped, beaten, tortured and murdered just for then we’ll need as many people as possible to join. But A wanting to organise and peacefully negotiate a liv­ there again, it’s a principle we’ve upheld since the FBU ing wage and safer conditions for themselves and their was founded — if we unite, then together, our small indi­ workmates. vidual contributions can combine to make a real force for And these aren’t isolated instances. There are thou­ change. sands of violent trade union abuses a year including, I have of course joined myself, as have the other worse still the murders of hundreds of trade unionists founder members listed here. I’m now asking you to join while fighting often appalling pay and conditions. us as a founder member of the FBU UnionAid Scheme. The abuse of workers rights is bad These are the kinds of things that enough, but what’s more it leads to War on Want does and our money widespread and appalling poverty in would support: Bangladesh that we read about and ■ Helping Bangladeshi garment see on our TV. UNION REPS workers’ unions train and organise For instance, millions of people to fight against the appalling fire work in the garment factories of SACKED hazards of the garment factories Bangladesh for appalling wages and in and the grim poverty of the Dhaka constant fear of fire or accident. Many ACTIVISTS slums. live in slum dwellings of bamboo, tin ■ Supporting women’s organisations or corrugated iron. MURDERED in South Africa and Brazil that help There is no adequate sanitation and women who’ve survived sexual and the sewers flood the streets during the domestic violence — they also rainy season. There is a high incidence FACTORY challenge the perpetrators. of diarrhoea, dysentery (especially in ■ Helping the women who live off children) and also malnutrition and TB. WORKERS Bombay’s rubbish and who are Not surprisingly, few can expect to fighting to re-assert their very reach the age of 60 and the level of humanity where they face not only child deaths is over 10 times that of KILLED IN ignorance and greed but the last the UK. vestiges of the caste system. So can we blame badly paid work­ FIRES ■ Naming, shaming, campaigning and ers who, faced with the choice, prefer lobbying against the real culprits. their children to work rather than For example: starve? The solution to the problem of child labour is for — Companies, that exploit men, women and child the parents to be paid a living wage. workers. So ultimately, strengthening workers’ rights is a vital — UK pension funds that invest in exploiters overseas. part of fighting world poverty. That’s why War on Want — International speculators who cause global has always fought the root causes of world poverty by economic instability threatening the livelihoods of working with trade unions and social movements across the world. over a billion workers worldwide. It’s not all gloom. After all, in the UK the FBU has And that’s why, the FBU is joining with the registered fought injustice and won, often against the odds. In the charity War on Want to launch a UnionAid scheme. Under same way so do workers and social movements in devel­ the scheme, firefighters will pay just one pound a month and join War on Want’s fight against world poverty. oping countries. But freedom doesn’t come free. So please become a founder member of the 15

FBU UnionAid scheme. Join the activists and against the abject pover­ Please just complete the form and fight against injustices such as ty that is the result of trade union send it to War on Want at the address sacking of union reps, the murder of repression. given at the bottom.

Founder JOIN US NOW Members Title____ Forename ______

Alan Chinn-Shaw Surname ______Andy Gilchrist Brigade ______A. P. Carr Branch ______Carl St Paul Home Address ______Dean Mills Harry Cotter Ian Anderson ______Post Code ______James McKeating E-Mail Address ______Joe Tray Name of Bank ______John McGhee Bank Address ______Julie Hunt

Katy Lane ______Post Code ______

Kenneth Wheeler Current Account No: Linda Shanahan Linda Smith Sort Code: Lynn Harding Signature ______

Morris Butterfield Date ______

Phil Jordon Bank Instructions Rick Brown Please pay the sum of ONE POUND A MONTH (on the 10th of each month) to the Robert Fitzgerald Co-operative Bank (08-92-99) for the account of War on Want (A/C No. 6500184000)

Steven Edward Please Quote Bank Ref. No. Terence Richardson Thank You! Now send this Form to: War On Want, Freepost, 37-39 Great Guildford Val Salmon Street, London SE1 0YU (No Stamp Needed) Vicky Knight 16 A TRIBUTE TO KEN CAMERON ". . . THE MOST OUTSTANDING AND SUCCESSFUL GENERAL SECRETARY OF HIS TIME . . ."

HE dawning of the New Year beckons the imminent again, until all that was left to negotiate were redundancy retirement of our General Secretary, Ken Cameron. Let packages. Tme start by making it clear that I am by no means a In his time Ken has borne witness to the closure of the “Cameron Groupie” — ask anyone that knows me, including coalmines, shipyards, steel works and car plants. British Ken himself, and they Gas, Electric, Water and will tell you that I have British Rail — Ken has never been shy of criti­ seen them carved-up, cising him when I think privatised and sold-off. he’s got it wrong. Then came Ambulance However, credit must be and Hospital Trusts. given when credit is due Whole council depart­ and a brief look at Ken’s ments privatised and 20 years in office shows contracted-out under him to stand head and CCT - and the list goes shoulders above his con­ on and on as do the con­ temporaries and by far sequences: Individual the most outstanding contracts, zero-hour and successful General contracts, short-term Secretary of his time, in contracts, personal this country. appraisals, performance Twenty years ago it related pay, efficiency was dear old Maggie savings, downsizing and that labelled Ken as an redundancy. extremist and a left-wing It is against this back­ militant, hell-bent on confrontation. Her sidekick, Nicholas drop that Ken’s performance stands out. Ridley, put the FBU alongside the NUM and the print work­ Having shared pole position with Arthur Scargill at the ers at the top of their trade union hit list. top of Maggie’s hit list, the defeat of the NUM would have After the defeat of the miners and the print workers, been reason enough for Ken to run for cover. He could have other trade union leaders sort refuge in “super unions” by “merged” us with another union and got himself a cushy, negotiating mergers with their chums. Increasingly, they well-paid number with a luxurious office. He could have chose to pursue compromise rather than to pursue the sold-out his principles and sort compromise with our ambitions of their members. Unfortunately, many of their employers or even “partnership” with the Government. No, members found to their cost that their union leaders were not Ken Cameron! Instead, Ken has made it his constant willing to compromise and compromise and compromise business to argue with our employers for proper funding for 17

the fire service and decent conditions for us. Whilst Ken has Ken’s lead. always emphasised the importance of negotiation, he has During the Essex strike word got out that the Essex consistently argued that to be successful we must negotiate employers were going to carry out their threat to sack all from a position of strength. He has always maintained that 1,100 striking firefighters and control staff. So, on the next we must be united and as a last resort be prepared to fight. strike day Ken joined FBU Members from around the coun­ try that had come to march around Chelmsford town centre PARTNERSHIP in support of their Essex brothers and sisters. After he had Today, Ken Cameron and the FBU stand almost alone at spoken to the rally and the crowd was dispersing, Ken was the TUC. In partnership with our employers, the Government confronted by a BBC TV newsteam about to broadcast live and Tony Blair, the other trade union leaders regard Ken as on the BBC lunchtime news. a dinosaur, an extremist and a left-wing militant. (Sounds familiar, eh?). They tell us that Ken has got it all wrong and DECISION that “partnership” is the way to get what we want. Ken was about to face the inevitable dilemma live on Well, we’ve still got most of what we want: our National the telly, a challenge so important that it re-vitalised our Pay Formula, our shift system, our National Conditions of national union, a decision that hit at the hearts of 1,100 Service, our pensions and our own national union — the Essex strikers and their families, a decision that I doubt any FBU. other Trade Union leader had the courage to make. So tell me, who’s The interviewer been getting it wrong all asked: these years? “Mr. Cameron, the I’ve not had much Essex fire authority say experience of “partner­ that unless you call this ship”, but I think it had strike off, they will have something to do with no choice other than to the “downsizing” of the sack your members, so number of workers what are you gong to do employed by Essex now?” County Council through Ken replied: the 1990s. In 1990 there “Well, I sincerely hope were 53,000 council they won’t do that or workers, today they have they will find themselves been compressed to only responsible for provok­ 36,000. In only 10 years, ing only the second 17,000 reasons to argue. national strike in the Following Ken’s exam­ history of the UK fire ple, rather than compro­ service.” mise in Essex we argued with our employers in 1996, ’97 Interviewer: and ’98 about them trying to downsize the number of fire­ “But surely Mr. Cameron, that would be illegal?” fighters we needed. In the 1997 campaign I was privileged Ken paused: to witness Ken operating at first hand and I know that some “. . . So be it!” very important people in the Labour Party and the TUC The rest, as they say, is history. didn’t want Ken to allow us to go on strike because of the Ken, on behalf of the 1,100 Essex strikers and their fam­ affect it might have on the Labour Party’s prospects in the ilies; and from Annie, Daisy and myself — Thank you, we General Election. Despite his personal desire for a Labour will be forever in your debt. And finally, on behalf of the FBU Members throughout the Government to be returned and only a 58 per cent yes vote UK, thanks for giving us your heart and soul, thank Nula for in our ballot, Ken supported our democratic decision rather letting us keep you for so long (God knows why, but she than the political aspirations of his “friends”. Ken told me wants us to give you back?) and having battled through the that he only leads the union, it is we, the Members, who last two decades of the 1900s as our General Secretary, take the decisions. Of course, that is partly true, however, I thanks for leaving Members like me in the year 2000 with a would suggest that without Ken’s lead to follow we would job and a service worth fighting for. have the same sorry tales to tell as our friends and families Yours in unity in other industries, in other unions. And there was a vital Keith Handscomb moment in 1998 that I believe illustrates the importance of 18 19 THE RFU OR THE FBU - WHO BEST SERVES RETAINED FIREFIGHTERS HE Retained Firefighters Union have claimed to have are struggling with finances the RFU may consider simply conditions of your members. By their own admission they Firefighters and control staff from retained Firefighters. This division will not help any member of the fire service least up to 10,000 members. This would be an impressive taking applications for help from the mutual fund and issue accept that they cannot represent their members properly. of all the retained members. The tactic of divide and rule is Tnumber were it audited and proven beyond doubt. But raffle tickets direct to its members. Then help could be Of the two organisations who has the financial ability to best left as a tried and tested tactic by employers. It has no that has never been the case. The RFU recently held their given if the drawn number ended in a 5 or 0, and any one best help its members? Who has the union infrastructure to place in any group that claims to represent employees least 1999 AGM. The minutes from their last AGM in 1998 at else would have to await the next fundraiser. assist in discipline cases? Who represents retained members of all one that claims to be a ‘union’. Morton in Marsh, highlight some interesting facts about an The amount of money paid out by the FBU’s accident and on committees both nationally and locally? Who negotiates Which Union best represents retained members? I sug­ organisation that will never strike or stop is members being injury fund in 1998 was £1,042,360.68. This alone is almost the annual increase in fees for retained members at exactly gest its not the one asking for £50,000 a year from each made redundant and will stand by as the Stations on which seven times the total annual income of the RFU. Where do the same rate as wholetime members? Fire Authority as it cannot afford proper representation for they serve are closed, whilst criticis­ Retained Firefighters really get the be The FBU best represents the conditions of all members in its members. ing the FBU for defending against protection in work, in health and in the British Fire Service. The RFU seeks to divide wholetime such closures by all means. sickness? Members of the RFU have criti­ cised the increase in fees for mem­ by SUPPORT bership of the FBU as it widens and If a member of the RFU is killed, increases its services to members. Dean Mills their dependants receive £1,000from This would seem a strange tactic for the RFU. If a member of the FBU is an organisation who in their finan­ Regional killed its £11,500. I accept that money cial report to the 1998 AGM show can never replace the loss of a that of their total income for the Firefighter. But which organisation sup­ entire year, 24.37 per cent went to Secretary ports families at a time of personal loss one person, their outgoing General and financial loss to the greater Secretary, in wages, pension contri­ Region degree? butions, and vehicle provision. As a Perhaps the financial difficulties of proportion of their income this is a the RFU are highlighted by the follow­ huge amount. Almost a quarter of all 13 ing resolution in 1998: fees paid by the RFU members in Trade Union Representation that year benefited one person! Conference call upon every Fire IN THE RED Authority, in the interests of fairness and equality of treatment with other unions, to also give the RFU an The accounts also showed that the organisation was in annual subsidy of £50,000 per annum to enable us to the red by over £16,000. This same organisation declare properly fund the representation of our members. they do not use a political fund. What they do not tell (NEC) Retained Firefighters is that they then cannot take any polit­ Can it be proper that an organisation that claims to be ical measures under trade union laws to protect the very independent so as to represent its members fairly seeks people who’s fees they take. Nor do they take any ‘political’ funds from the very employers of those members? steps such as a march or public rally and demonstration to protect a station under threat of closure. WORSE CONDITIONS The RFU have a mutual aid fund. This fund also showed This organisation demands funding to argue with the a growing deficit of £1,643 compared to £407 in 1996. The provider of those funds and believe they will not be with­ main source of income for this fund is an annual raffle and drawn. I accept that the RFU are not the most skilled nego­ this was supplemented in the financial year by a tombola tiators, as they have demonstrated in the past, but to which raised £181. Is this any way in which to offer protec­ expect funding from the very people imposing worse condi­ RFU members await raffle draw to see if they can be helped by mutual fund. tion to members? A Tombola and a Raffle?! Perhaps if they tions on your members is not the best way to enhance the 2 0 THE BUZZ PHRASE DECADE

HE last 10 years have seen much political change. tions of service were proposed. These changes varied From the downfall of Thatcher, to the downfall of the from scrapping the pay formula to flexibility (this being util­ TTories. Now with New Labour at the helm have we ising firefighters whilst on call for picking up litter, distrib­ seen a change of policies or just a renaming of Tory uting leaflets with no fire service connection to private policies. addresses or any other task termed as of benefit to the In order to get acceptance of policies the government company). give them cool titles. For example, under the Tories the policies of “Private Finance Initiative” and “Competing for SUPPORTED Quality” sound quite innocent, so what were they really all Many of these issues were disputed to a successful con­ about? In basic terms they were about getting rid of public clusion but some were lost. When consultation fails the pri­ sector workers and contractorisation of services. vate sector employers tend to impose changes and on For those who are of the opinion that such a move occasion it became necessary to move towards industrial would be unlikely or not possible in the action with strike ballots being called for Fire Service you should be aware that in and supported by the members. the United Kingdom it has already by The activities of the company although occurred. It is only as a result of having it at times serious were an irritation, but as done to me that I can speak about the Pat Carberry to what the MOD were actually doing with dangers and sometimes unbelievable tac­ the implementation of stage two of their tics used by the government who were my Region 10 plan, the closure of the fire station were employer. Bedfordshire nothing. In 1988 I joined the Ministry of It was time for a new Buzz Phrase so Defence fire service at RAF Halton in arrived FRAM (Fire Risk Assessment Buckinghamshire. I was termed as a Civil Servant with a Methodology). This policy was about going out to military contract that was linked to the local authority fire service units and assessing the need for the provision of fire cover with conditions not so different to those you work to. I was and identifying stations for closure. also covered by similar rights when it came to trade union consultation on conditions of service. As an employee of a private company the MOD were now the customer and we had no rights to consultation on CHANGE any issues relating to our job security. This was the great­ est loss from being moved to the private sector. The MOD In 1997 under the policy of “Competing for Quality” my still called the shots there was no avenue for redress. contract was given to a private company and I was Imagine what would happen if your employers had that removed from the civil service. This change was imposed option, you can be sure that they would abuse it to your with assurance that under TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings cost. The MOD were responsible for the supply of vehicles Protection of Employee) law that none of my conditions of and equipment so what we got was the worst they could service would change without formal consultation and agreement. find. It was apparent that how they were running us wasto prevent us from being able to perform the task we are Despite the fact that all the Firefighters this affected did there for. not want to be employed in the private sector our options were limited. New contracts were issued and under employ­ ADVICE ment law our options were, sign the new contract and accept it, don’t sign the new contract and be deemed to MOD Command Fire appointed an Officer to conduct the have accepted it or to leave effectively resigning. FRAM. This individual was due for retirement so any come back as a result of his recommendations could not be pur­ Under the new employer immediately change to condi­ sued. At no point during the assessment were any of the 21

people involved spoken to or any advice sought. The conclusion of the report was a recommendation for closure. If the report was to be available in a public library 'YOU’RE NOT it would be found under the fiction section. The content was full of misleading and inaccurate information which could not be challenged by the workers as we were always refused any say on the input being reminded “You’re not our employees, we don’t have to consult with you”. To take away an individuals career without asking OUR EMPLOYEES’ what they think there value is can be considered disgust­ ing as talk costs nothing. To take away someone’s career based on a lie is criminal, yet it happened. On the 30th of September 1999 the operational commitment at RAF Halton ceased with 11 redundancies. Two weeks later I was offered employment at RAF WE DON'T Henlow again working for a private contract company. On getting to Henlow I have found that this unit is about to have FRAM applied. The outcome is predictable. So what has all this got to do with the FBU and the local Authority Fire Services? HAVE TO If you look at what happened within the MOD it can be seen as an experiment in how to remove consultation rights, isolate fire stations, attack conditions of service and ultimately close fire stations and reduce the number of fire­ fighters. This experiment has proved a success so it’s not a case of will they but how long before they try to CONSULT apply these changes to you. Buzz phrases like “Safer Society” and “Best Value”, what are they really about. Be suspicious. Your strength lies in your unity so be prepared to stand as one when they come for you. Make no mistake, your WITH YOU’ conditions of service and future job security are at risk.

"BEST VALUE" IS A WE REALLY NEED DIFFICULT CONCEPT ANOTHER TERM OR WORD FOR THE PUBLIC TO THAT SUMS UP OUR POLICY WHAT ABOUT "CHEAP" UNDERSTAND! TOWARDS THE PUBLIC SECTOR 2 2 23 LEGACY OF CHERNOBYL IS STILL A MENACE

N 26 APRIL 1986 there was an as many children as possible to leave their During the last three years. ProjectLo c a l c o n ta c ts explosion at a nuclear power plant contaminated homeland for a few weeks Co-ordinator, Linda Walker, has made reg­ at Chernobyl, on the border of fresh air and clean food. Doctors in ular visits to Belarus, building up contracts Stockport O Aberystwyth: Dolgellau: Littleborough: between Ukraine and Belarus. Belarus say that this boosts a child’s with schools, hospitals and organisations Jane and Richard Tonge on Penny Ribbeck on 0161-427 Stephenie Morgan on 01970 Helen Doig on 01341 250599 immune system for at least two years, with which the Project now works closely. 1393 Tons of radioactive materials were 832229 01706 378356 Ken and Mags Whiting, leaders of the aid East Norfolk: thrown into the air. Some of these were helping to resist, or recover from, serious Alsager, Crewe and Jennifer and Andy Jackman on Llandinam and Newtown: Swansea: blown around the world and in parts of illness. It can also reduce the amount of convoys, have made five trips to the cont­Haslington: 01493 669972 Glenda Williams on 01686 Karen Bourne on 01792 515843 aminated Gomel Region and their experi­ Cumbria and Wales lambs still cannot be radioactive caesium that has built up in a Pauline Higham on 01270 Endon and Stoke: 688181 Teesdale: ence enables the Project to ensure that, marketed because their meat is not safe child’s body. 669109 John and Julie Gater on 01782 London: Sybil Swinbank on 01325 to eat due to contamination from Several thousand children have visited with the help of its partner organisation, Anglesey: 535000 Pat Allen on 0181-533 5838 718230 the ‘Education Foundation’, aid reaches Martyn Pritchard on 01248 Chernobyl. Ireland over the last seven years, and in Merseyside: Teifi Valley: 811228 Glossopdale: But 70 per cent of the radioactive sub­ the UK the project is growing fast. In the those most in need. John West, secretary Helen Walker on 01457 Peter Wilson on 0151-924 2981 Margaret Moore on 01559 stances fell over the population of Belarus. Summer of 1997 it brought 260 children; of the Chernobyl Children Greater LondonBlantyre: 863534; Harry Dodd on 01457 370930 Ellen Charlton on 01698 Monk Fryston: A quarter of the country’s best farmlands hosted its first group of mothers accompa­ Branch, says the Branch finds itself sur­ 857275 826133 Roy and Nikki Holland on Totnes: nying their young children who were rounded by goodwill but unable to take Kimberley Marshall on 01803 and forests have been poisoned and hun­ Buxton and Longnor: Gloucester and 01977 683054 868099 dreds of towns and villages have been recovering from treatment for cancer; and advantage of it. Gaye and Denis Moors on Cheltenham: Moray: evacuated. The entire country is a zone of invited a further 52 children at Christmas. “We are now in the position of having 01298 25727 Christina Brignall on 01452 Yasmin Richardson on 01343 Vale of Evesham: international ecological disaster. The radia­ In the summer of 1998 it planned to pro­ to refuse offers of aid because we cannot Catterick: 614305 544142 Brenda Lowden on 01905 840552 tion released by the accident was 300 vide recuperative holidays for about 400 transport more than a carload and, evenTarn McKee on 01748 834397 Hereford: Pontyclun: times greater than the Hiroshima bomb. children in Britain and a further 200 in if we could, we have only limited storageor Christine Hasell on 01748 Dave Chatfield on 01432 John Griffiths on 01443 227140 Witham: space in a basement at Wanstead.833049 357517 Keith Plaister on 01376 519017 In Southern Belarus thyroid cancer in Belarus. Putney: Cardiff: children has increased by more than 100 Many of the children brought to this Nationally, the Project has a ware­ Kingsbury Green: Mary Donald on 0181 785 9709 National Co-ordinator: Stuart Eastland on 01222 times, due to the large amounts of country are in remission from leukaemia or housing problem now that its central Annette Nicholson on 0181-204 Linda Walker on 01457 863534 864793 Rugby: radioactive iodine they have ingested, and cancer. They are chosen by an organisation depot at Glossop is required for something 5844 Craven: Kate Rix on 01788 571778 Trustees: there have been rises in many other types Lancaster: in Minsk called ‘Children in Trouble’ which else. Linda and Dave Akrigg on Mags Whiting on 01457 David Lowe on 01524 832526 Solihull: of cancer, heart disease, respiratory prob­ is run by parents of children with cancer. “Is there any way your union could help01756 7102211 (work) or 01535 865805 Barney and Kath McElholm on Myrla Eastland on 01222 lems, ailments of the digestive system and Holidays abroad are vital for their children, us?” he asks. “Our Branch has been proud 635595 (home) Leeds: 0121-705 0644 birth defects. particularly in their teens when many fall ill of its success in initiating groups that pro­ Colchester: Liz Westmorland on 0113 247 864793 4341 or Harold Bowden on Southend: Louis Friedman on 01559 Hospitals are desperately short of drugs for a second or third time, and the death vided holidays for children, but onthe Anna Chataway on 01206 0113 293 1633 David Moore on 01702 337533 370211 and equipment. Even the basic essentials rate is very high. fringes of London — in Putney, Southend 572330 like bandages, scalpels, surgical gloves, Others come from some of the most and Witham. On behalf of the children of Belarus we would like to thank you for anaesthetics, antibiotics and painkillers contaminated parts of the country. There “We have been unable though to are in very short supply. Ambulances are are still many children living in tiny rural ‘inspire’ similar groups in other areas. I say your interest and for any help you are able to give. urgently needed — in some cases parents villages, sometimes just a few miles from inspire because basically it is the commit­ have to carry their sick children to hospi­ the Chernobyl plant. These children may ment and enthusiasm of one person that tal. Incubators are also vital as many not be ill yet, but their future is bleak if usually generates a group. I would like more information about the Chernobyl Children’s Project women give birth to tiny babies, who can­ they continue to live in such a radioactive “If you have any such member in your not survive without intensive care. environment. A happy, healthy holiday in union, remembering the extraordinary I enclose a donation of £ ...... The stress of living in a radioactive the summer may give them a better achievements of your members inother environment has led to a dramatic rise in chance. fields where humanitarian help has been Name: ...... Postcode ...... suicides and marriage breakdowns, leaving The Project also delivers ambulances, needed, we would be delighted to put Address: ...... Telephone ...... thousands of children living with grand­ medical aid, school equipment, toys, toi­ him/her in the picture and give him/her parents or in orphanages. Many institu­ ...... Date ...... letries and bedding to hospitals, schools what ever help and advice is needed in tions are very poor, with children living on and children’s homes in the affected starting a group.” pasta and lacking vitamins, medicines, region; works closely with orphanages for John can be contacted at 9 Bramble toys and classroom equipment. children with disabilities; and provides hol­ Road, Thundersley, Benfleet, Essex In the summer, when the dust causes S S 7 idays in Belarus for some of those children 2UN (Tel: 01702 558682 or Fax: 01702 radiation levels to rise, it is important for it cannot bring to Britain. 555652). 2 4

ADOPTING A PRAGMATIC APPROACH

N Tuesday 5th October 1999 at 7.30 a.m., a terri­ cratic rights, and to save the life of the young black ble train crash occurred in Paddington, London, trade unionist Mumia Abu-Jamal. Trade unionists from O killing 40 people and wounding hundreds of pas­ all over the world participated in this rally to prepare sengers. The news came as a shock to millions of the San Francisco Open World Conference, to be held outraged workers throughout Europe. The British and in February 2000. From the platform they described international press were unanimous to say: “The train dis­ the situations they are facing in the countries. aster was the result of privatisation. ” Everywhere, the same policies of privatisation, The privatisation of the British railway system was deregulation, scrapping of national bargaining agree­ carried out under the Tory government. It has been ments, destruction of social gains of social protection and maintained by the Blair govern­ health systems are being implemented. ment, which is also planning to In every country, the IMF, World Bank, privatise the remaining public services the European Union is attempting to in Great Britain (i.e. the London tube, co-opt the unions into implementing the NATS Air Control Authority, the these plans. Post Office, the Unemployment Centre But in every country as well, . . .), in order to meet the convergence workers are resisting. criteria imposed by the European At the rally, several speakers from Union. the platform denounced the Paddington crash, which outraged peo­ DIRECTIVES ple around the world. Geoff Martin, Privatisation has already killed: in convenor of UNISON, London Region, the Mont-Blanc tunnel blaze in France, linked up privatisation in the railway the Pic de Bur ski-lift collapse, etc. system to the privatisation of public That doesn’t stop them from deregu­ health, saying “Privatisation kills”. In a lating, privatising the public services, message to the rally, Bob Crow, closing the hospitals (maternity and Assistant General Secretary of the RMT emergency wards) in France, in Great declared: Britain, all over Europe in application by of European directives. The Council of MEETING European Transport Ministers met on Andy Gilchrist “This tragedy leads me to say that 6th October, the day after the London the re-nationalisation of the railway train crash, to consider implementa­ National Officer system is on top of the agenda". And tion of their White Book A Strategy to revitalise the he proposed to convene a European Conference of trade Railways within the European Community and to monitor unionists in defence of the public services, against pri­ the modifications to Directive 91-440 which calls for intro­ vatisation and for the re-nationalisation of the railway ducing competition into the rail freight sector. system. That’s what French Minister Gayssot called “adopting a pragmatic approach.” It is an indisputable fact; even in the face of catastro­ This is a campaign phes and death they relentlessly carry on their policies. On 15th October in Paris, 6,000 workers, youth and all Trade Unionists trade unionists gathered at an international rally in defence of the independence of trade unions and demo­ should support 2 5 6¾ HOURS IN THE LIFE OF A NORTH COMMAND OFFICIAL

HAT you have to understand is that servicing the procedure that is made much easier if you haven’t left your retained up here in the Highlands is a very time car keys at the harbour shop on Islay two-and-a-quarter W consuming job — especially when they live miles hours ago. away on the Islands. After much debating and negotiating with the Ferry crew So, anyway, one of our Brave Comrades sets off for Islay (any of you ever seen Para Handy?) they agree to take him — see map — for a meeting of retained members. Good and his keyless car back to Islay. The harbour shop duly meeting, good chat, good apres meeting . . . so far, so supplies missing keys and he’s off for the mainland again good. then home — approximately 100 miles away. Next morning, being a keen individual, he sets off bright Six-and-three-quarter hours on the ferry, about one-and- and early for the first ferry back to the mainland. As it turns a-half hours waiting time between cruises and then 100 mile out it was just as well he went for the first ferry. drive. Dedication or what? Having berthed his car on the ferry, he heads for the har­ There’s a rumour going around that the same individual bour shop and buys supplies and newspapers for the two- missed the bus home following the NJC demo in London. and-a-quarter hour journey, back to the ferry, then settles Unfortunately, this writer cannot confirm this BUT if you con­ down for the cruise back to the mainland. tact Dave Nisbet at Dumbarton Branch, Strathclyde, I’m sure He’s feeling good, good meeting, up early and home in he’ll be able to tell you if any of this is true. time to pick up the kids from school. P.S. a phone call ensured that the kids were picked up Ferry docks at the mainland. Time to drive home — a OK. 2 6

Letters You write to FireFighter

RESPECT NEEDED THANK YOU THOMPSONS

IT is with great interest and some dismay that I have read I WOULD like to use the pages of The Firefighter to express my sincere thanks to Thompsons solicitors for over the last few years of the Employers constant attacks negotiating the successful outcome of my compensation on the FBU and its members, especially in respect of claim against my former employers, Royal Berks Fire & standards of fire cover and conditions of service. Rescue Service. It has always seemed clear to me that Fire Authorities I received a back injury whilst on duty in October or indeed the Home Office can only close Fire Stations or 1996. I was ordered to move a large fridge/freezer with make cuts if they can rely on the enthusiasm of two other colleagues from the appliance bays to the first firefighters for the job. They have to rely on firefighters floor of the fire station. The tiled floor of the bays were turning out and rigging en route, whilst the appliance is wet and in a hazardous condition which caused the fridge swerving in and out of traffic and may at any time need to to slip and I sustained two dislocated vertebrae in my brake violently to avoid an accident. They rely on a lower back from which I never recovered. I spent over 18 firefighter driver ignoring the Road Traffic Act and Highway months on light duties before being invalided out of the Code. They are crossing traffic signals at red, driving on service after 24 years. the wrong side of the road when not clear of traffic, often Please give my thanks to Mr. David Thompson, who exceeding the speed limits and relying on two-tone horns, took over my case in the later stages and to Mr. Keith sirens and blue flashing lights to intimidate other road Taylor who did the initial “legwork” both from the London users to clear the way by mounting the pavements. Is this office. really necessary? If appliances become stuck in heavy Please also give my thanks to the FBU branch officials, traffic the radio can be used to inform control of delay in and to Bro. Pete Miller Regional Treasurer R. 13 for all attendance and another station can be turned out in the their assistance. hope that one or the other may be lucky enough to have GEOFF RUFUS a reasonably clear route. This is of course if the other Ex-Royal Berks Fire & Rescue Service OOT Member. station has not been closed, or the number of appliances reduced beyond practicability. Firefighters have always taken the responsibility for arriving in good time at some risk to themselves but as an old Sub O I knew used to say : “Why should I get THANK YOU FBU excited I didn’t light it did I?” I WISH to express my gratitude for the help I received There is not doubt in my mind that if firefighter drivers, from the Fire Brigades Union, following my enforced with full support of their crews, were to drive within the retirement after an accident on duty. speed limits and the rules of the Highway Code, and the After nearly 20 years’ service as a Retained Firefighter crews rigged before turning out, in the interests of their the Brigade did not concede my pension readily. My own safety, the talk of station closures, and cuts would be particular thanks go to Ron Couchman retired Herts. quickly forgotten. We would also see improvements in the Brigade Chair whose support and commitment for more conditions of service. than two years brought about a very successful outcome. If Fire Authorities and the Home Office want the R. S. T. HOWARD, enthusiasm and co-operation of the past they should learn Ex-Hertfordshire Fire Brigade. that they must earn it by treating firefighters and their Union with the respect they deserve rather than using NEW LESBIAN AND GAY MEMBERS ADDRESS bully-boy tactics and the contempt they show at present. http://website.lineone.net/~flag.ship. It is up to the membership to show that enough is enough, or put up with the consequences HARASSMENT? BULLYING? DISCRIMINATION? T. JONES, (Past Chair, London Region, OOT Member) FBU HELPLINE 0800 783 4 7 7 8 27

Letters You write to FireFighter

format of our celebrations has still be be fully discussed, PENSIONERS LEFT but we would like to hear from those who visited in the 50’s and 6o’s especially. If you have any memories, BEHIND anecdotes, photographs or other comments about the hall, the Executive Committee would like to hear from NEXT April pensioners will receive the magnificent sum of you. 73P a week as their increase for the year. That will be Please write to Brian Clarke, Secretary at Wortley Hall, just about enough to buy a bar of chocolate. This insult Wortley, near Sheffield, South Yorkshire. It is hoped that is deeply resented by Labour and trade union members items received will form part of the history of the hall. and naturally, of course, by the pensioners themselves. Best wishes to all members past and present. In 1996 Labour’s conference of elected delegates STEWART CHARNLEY (OOT), carried a resolution saying that pensions should be raised President, Wortley Hall. by the same percentage as their rise in average earnings. This has not happened and indeed this autumn the government leaders went further: they prevented such a HELP NEEDED resolution coming before the Bournemouth conference I AM trying to produce an article for The Greater London where it would certainly have been adopted. So British Pensions, the monthly newsletter of the Greater London pensioners remain on a lower rate of pension compared Pensioners’ Association, on Unions with retired members’ with wages than almost every other country in Europe. sections. A similar rejection of ordinary supporters’ views is seen Are you able please, to indicate whether you have a on other issues, such as the low rate (£3.60 an hour) as Retired Members’ Committee separately elected by retired the minimum wage; or the attempted veto of Ken members? Are you able please, to indicate how many Livingstone, who, as public opinion polls show, is the such members you have nationally and within Greater favourite candidate to become mayor of London. Such London? moves bring the Labour government into disrepute. Do your retired members enjoy a separate newsletter? Labour is a democratic party or it is nothing. It is not If so, perhaps you would provide the name and address for the leaders to tell members what they should do. It to the Editor. should be the other way round. I am a retired PCS member and a member of its There is very strong feeling in the pensioners’, Labour Retired Members’ Association. Would your Greater London and trade union movements over these and other retired members like to be advised of any debates important matters. It is time to speak out before it is too between Mayoral or GLA candidates? Would they like to late. see any article setting out candidates’ policies re. FRANK ALLAUN, Pensions? (Labour MP 1955-83) Yours sincerely D. SHEPHERD, WORTLEY HALL - Flat 1, Uwian Lodge, Uwian Avenue, Hendon, NW9 3SH 50th ANNIVERSARY BRADLEY HOUSE THERE are many members, Officials and retired members 68 COOMBE ROAD who remember their visits to Wortley Hall, near Sheffield. KINGSTON UPON THAMES Most came for the various educational meetings held by SURREY KT2 7AE the Union and some came for holidays or other social events. Those of you who have attended over the many TELEPHONE: 0181-541 1765 years of FBU involvement will have seen the changes to General Secretary the hall. KEN CAMERON In May 2001, Wortley Hall will be 50 years old. The 2 8

Letters You write to FireFighter

age and take a look at themselves with lumbering FOOD FOR THOUGHT bureaucracy that in no way could be accused of being cost effective. We must fight for social justice in its WELL here we are in the new millennium and aren’t things widest sense. In looking to the future we should be just so different. playing our part in eradicating poverty, child prostitution, At the beginning of the last century people were race hatred and a myriad of other plagues that our looking at the new technologies, growing intervention in society suffers. We should be fighting in every sphere family life by the state, pressures on housing because of open to us for our rights, human rights which if anything rapidly increasing population, does any of this sound are being degraded by the likes of this governments familiar? attempt to withdraw the automatic right to trial by jury As we move forward into the future there seems to be and the disgusting way in which it treats illegal a lot of confusion, a blurring of the lines. Where is the immigrants. enemy? The Conservatives are in disarray and just for the In conclusion, we are a well educated workforce with a moment do not pose a particularly massive threat. The wide variety of opinions. We do not need to follow any Labour Party, traditionally our allies, are at the moment one political dogma, we are as I said earlier flexible, we the instigators of attacks on our Union. The TUC has must use the politicians to get what we want. They are moved further and further to the right and as a our representatives and if they are not doing their job movement has its hands tied by the anti trade union laws then they need a kick up the arse. Politicians are afraid instigated by the Tories but significantly not repealed by of well organised workforces who can swing votes in Labour since taking power. committees. Get involved, go to CLP meetings, go to There has been a massive increase in consumerism in the latter half of the twentieth century lead by the Trades Councils, join a political party and attend granting of huge amounts of credit. It could be said, in meetings, making your voice heard. Let the petty fact, that credit is the most powerful tool of oppression bureaucrats know that we are here and that we are a at the disposal of the ruling class. There is a lot less force to be reckoned with. WARREN ELLISON, chance of workers taking action to defend their rights and West Yorkshire. working conditions when there is a chance that they could lose their house and car through repossession. So where do we, as a Union go from here? The loss of interest in politics is dangerous to us. Whatever we may Reminder think of politicians, political parties or political decisions Members are reminded to advise their they do affect us both as a Union and as individuals. If we, as union members do not involve ourselves in the Brigade Membership Secretary of any likes of trades councils and CLP’s then we will not have a change of address. Head Office voice and we will not be heard by the people who, like it should be advised of any changes of or not, have the power to make decisions about our next of kin or nomination for benefits future. We have to fight for our working conditions to be maintained and even improved. Best Value should also apply to the manner in which we are treated by our Out of Trade employers. We embrace and adapt to new technologies, Membership changes to fire safety legislation and safer working Members are reminded that the fee to become an practices. We turn out any time of the night or day to Out of Trade Member of the Union is £10 for five incidents that require quick professional judgements to years. be made in order to save life or property. We are nothing if not flexible. That being the case our employers should Visit us on www.fbu-ho-org.uk or stop accusing us of being dinosaurs that live in a past E-mail us at: [email protected] 2 9

AS only a 15-year-firefighter and member, it was a privilege for me to present the FBU 25 year badges to some good friends and comrades at Colchester fire station in Essex. Five of the eight pictured are Brigade Membership Secretary Bro. Dave Bywater, Dick Packer, Steve Cochran and Dave Rob Finch long standing fixtures to Green Robinson receiving their 25 year badges from Romford (right) presents Clive Watch and are normally seen shar­ MP, Eileen Gordon. Stevens, ing comfy chairs and tall stories with Newark, Notts., with his badge. fellow Green Watch 25 year FBU members Bro. John Dobbs and Bro. Dave ‘Sailor’ Stannard. Our employers would describe them as “dinosaurs”. I am grateful that their legacy to the likes of me is some good, old fashioned principles and morals. First of all, I think it is important for us to remember that 25-year Back row: badges are only presented to those who have remained FBU Bro. George Bruce. Front row: (from left toright): Bros. Colin Miller, Trevor Porter, Bob 'Jocky' Welsh,John 'Red' Crust, Terry Collins, Frank Shearman, DaveBridgment members continuously through thick and Keith Hanscomb. Leading Firefighter Malcolm Johnson, Hadleigh, Essex, and thin for 25 years. I know that dur­ receiving his 25 year badge from Branch Representative John Dagnell. ing that time, any 25-year FBU mem­ bers will not have agreed personally with every policy that has been democratically decided. But, unlike some who prefer to opt in and out as their selfish fancy takes them, 25-year FBU members have accepted the rough with the smooth and stayed loyal to the over-riding principle that “together we stand, divided we fall”. I know this to be true for my friends Brigade Secretary Dave Green (right) presents and comrades at Colchester. Brigade Membership Secretary Johnhis badge.Bunting, Central Notts., with Thanks to their part in the national strike of 1977, a quarter of us have a job in the fire Rob Finch (right)presents Paul Tompkins, Worksop, Notts., with hisbadge. service due to the creation of Green Watch: We have the shift system, the Pay Formula, national conditions of service and one more bank holiday than most other workers! As well as the ‘77 strike, my Colchester comrades were also at the forefront of the Essex strikes of 1997 and 1998 — not for personal gain, but, for the benefit of the service, the public and for those in search of a job. In Essex, against the backdrop of 15,000 county council job losses in 10 years (a 30 per cent reduc­ tion), it is a credit to the continuous support of members like the 25-year FBU members of Colchester that over the same devastating period only four Essex pairs of fire boots have been thrown on the scrap heap. To my Colchester comrades (and all those like them), thank your for providing a pair of fire boots for me to fill with a shift system, a pay formula and national conditions worth fighting for. 2 5 YEARS 30

Archie McDermaid, centre, Hamilton Branch, Strathclyde receivesfrom branch his 25 officials year badge Mark Cannavan and Rob Bros. Martyn Clough (centre) and Wyn Jones (right) being Cunningham. presented with their 25 year badges by 25YEARS Bro. Dave Doneo, Ellesmere Port Branch Secretary, Cheshire, Region 9.

From left toright: John Cahill, Billy Girvan, RobertCraig and Bobby Ralton allfrom Motherwell Branch,Strathclyde, proudly show their 25 year badges.

Bro.

John "SPUD" Murphy receiving his 25 year badgefrom Bro. Micky Broughton, Branch Secretary, CromwellRoad, Grimsby, Humberside.

Regional Chair, Chas Hunt (left) presents Dave Wright, Beeston, Notts. with his badge.

Paul Goss, left, East Kilbride Branch, Strathclyde, receives his 25 year badge from Branch Secretary Jim Milne.

Secretary Tim Chapman. TimSecretary Renshaw BranchPaulfromandbadges(centre)year25WilkinstheirGeoffreceivingFirefighters(right) Eamon Curran, Pete Bundy and Gordon Healey receiving their 25 year badges from Dave Thomas, Croydon Branch, London.

John Ballingall, left, East Kilbridge Branch, Strathclyde, receives his 25 year badge from Branch Secretary Jim Milne.

Bro. Terry McCoy (right) receiving his 25-year badge from Bro. Ala n Anderson, FBU Divisional Representative, whilst Green Watch of Blackley

GMC looks on. 31 25 YEARS

Bro. Ronnie James, N. Kensington Branch Roger "bach" Evans receiving his 25 year badge from Mid & West Wales -by being Bill Gunyon,presented Ghadawith his badge Membership Secretary Simon Jenkins along with the Blue Watch Razuki and Ray Carmathen Station. Mochey.

Health and SafetyRepresentative) receiving his 25 Bro. Terry Stevens (Branch year badge from Branch Chairman Richard Franks.

Andy Beam and Paul Shakwell, Park Royal, London Fire Rod Parkinson (left) being presented with his 25yearbadge by South Wales Brigade Secretary Clive Protheroe. Station at the presentation of their 25 year badges by Sian Griffiths Branch Representative and Ghada Razuki, Group Secretary.

Bro. John

Hills receiving his 25 year badge from BranchChairman Richard Franks.

Left to right: Bros.

Brigade Secretary Dave Green (right) presents Stewart

Dave Roberts, Berwyn Jones, Ian Geddes, Stan Blandford, Phil John and Holmes, Central Notts. Brigade Vice Chair, Regional Phil Evans at a social evening in Merthyr Tydfil with their 25 year badges/ FAW with his badge.

Bro. Peter Grant

(Branch Secretary) receiving his 25 yearbadge from Branch Chairman Richard Franks. Regional Chair, Chas Hunt (left) presents Trev

Marrlot, Arnold, Notts. with his badge.

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