Scottish firefighters to be consulted on strike action over ‘devastating’ cuts

Firefighters in Scotland are to be consulted on strike action over a “devastating package of cuts” according to their union.

Firefighter protest propsed cuts to service in George Square Glasgow in August. Picture: John Devlin

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) will begin consulting members on taking strike action in opposition to the cuts the union said has been imposed by the Scottish Government.

A projected, five-year, flat cash budget, in place until 2027, has already removed 10 whole-time fire engines and 150 retained appliances are regularly unavailable due to significant recruitment and retention issues, the union said.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) announced that they will need to save a minimum of £14 million next year which could result in the loss of a further 339 firefighters and 18 fire engines with more to come.

Scotland has lost 1,200 frontline firefighters since 2012, the union has claimed.

A consultation marks the first step towards firefighters taking strike action and a formal strike ballot could follow.

The union believes the announcement, on the eve of the SNP’s party conference in Aberdeen, could “pile pressure” on First Minister Humza Yousaf to intervene.

A demonstration will also be held at the Scottish Parliament on October 26.

John McKenzie, Fire Brigades Union regional secretary, said: “The cuts we are seeing imposed by the Scottish Government are a threat to the lives, homes and livelihoods not just of firefighters, but of everyone in Scotland.

“They will rob Scotland of the firefighters and equipment we need to keep our communities safe.

“Speaking to firefighters across Scotland, it is clear to us that there is a determined mood among members. After 10 years of cuts, our service cannot take any more.

“The public will not forgive the SNP Government if they allow this to end in strike action.”

In the summer, firefighters from across Scotland gathered on George Square to protest against the planned budget cuts with the message that they would have “no other option” other than to take strike action.

Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said: “As the SNP gather for their party conference, firefighters have a message for the Scottish Government.

“These cuts are a threat to the safety of everyone in Scotland, and the Fire Brigades Union has a duty to oppose them.

“Firefighters do not move towards strike action lightly. The intransigence of the Scottish government has led things to where they are now, but it still has time to reverse course.

“The Scottish Government needs to listen to those in the front line of this vital service.”

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Scottish Government have been contacted for comment.