Issue - meetings

An update on Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service’s preparedness for potential industrial action.

Portfolio Holder – Councillor Andy Crump

Councillor Andy Crump (Portfolio Holder for Fire & Rescue and Community Safety) presented this report which sought to provide reassurance of the Fire and Rescue Service’s preparedness for potential industrial action.  In proposing the recommendations, he suggested a third recommendation “that Cabinet commits to continuing with a collective coherent approach to negotiation of rates of firefighter pay through the national negotiating bodies”.

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse noted that the issues raised were national issues and commented that it was essential that councillors be kept advised of the emerging situation.

Councillor Isobel Seccombe noted that the report was an observation on the current position and welcomed the opportunity to provide confidence that the Cabinet was aware of the situation and was taking the necessary steps.  She welcomed opportunities to keep group leaders apprised of the situation.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

1.     Notes the current situation in relation to firefighter pay and the potential for industrial action;

2.     Supports the steps being taken by WFRS to plan for and mitigate against the impact of industrial action on communities in Warwickshire; and

3.     Commits to continuing with a collective coherent approach to negotiation of rates of firefighter pay through the national negotiating bodies.