Zarah ChoudharyFirefighters have warned Gloucestershire County Council that they will do “everything in their power” to fight the decision to force through changes to shift patterns, according to Fire Brigades Union.
The Fire Brigades Union raised concerns that imposed changes to working hours would make the job too costly for those with childcare or caring responsibilities, and take a toll on the mental health of a workforce already under pressure.
The policy was halted due to concerns that it could result in firefighters having to leave the service.
At a scrutiny committee meeting on 10th January, councillor Dave Norman confirmed that the council would continue with changing firefighters’ shifts from nine hour days and 15 hour nights, to 11 hour days and 13 hour nights for whole-time community fire stations.
This decision was made despite the scrutiny committee raising the need for a consultation process involving firefighters, after councillors received an “unprecedented” number of letters and emails opposing the change.
25 firefighters attended the public meeting in opposition to the changes.
The union said that firefighters in Gloucestershire feel strongly that this policy is a “kick in the teeth” and would consider taking industrial action as part of a campaign to reverse it.
Kate Yhnell, brigade organiser for Gloucestershire at the Fire Brigades Union, said: “Firefighters across Gloucestershire will be deeply disappointed that the county council has chosen to ignore the concerns of the frontline today.
“No firefighter should be put in a position where it is cheaper for them to quit because of the cost of childcare around unworkable shifts.
“Gloucestershire fire and rescue offers the worst maternity provision in the country.
“Instead of improving support for women in the workplace, it is now punishing parents and carers with this unnecessary and damaging policy.
“Firefighters have made it very clear that we will not accept shifts that put our wellbeing and future in the service at risk.
“The FBU will consider all options, including industrial action, in the fight to reverse this damaging policy.”
Dave Roberts, regional secretary for the South West at the Fire Brigades Union, said: “Firefighters are dedicated to protecting our communities, and work extremely hard under immense pressure to save lives and homes.
“Gloucestershire County Council has chosen to insult the frontline by refusing to listen to any of the serious issues raised around changes to working hours.
“This will only have a detrimental effect on the working lives of firefighters in the region, and the service as a whole.
“It is shocking that county councillors have chosen to force through these harmful changes despite the warnings of the scrutiny committee and the huge strength of feeling against the policy.
“We will do everything in our power to reverse this nonsensical decision.”
Ben Selby, assistant general secretary at the Fire Brigades Union, said: “Fire and rescue services must listen to firefighters when they raise the alarm about damaging changes to working conditions.
“Firefighters in Gloucestershire have made it clear that the imposition of new shift patterns will have a negative impact on the workforce and the service.
“Gloucestershire fire and rescue service cannot claim to be supporting or recruiting women firefighters while implementing shifts that increase financial pressures on those with caring responsibilities.
“Gloucestershire County Council must start paying heed to the frontline by withdrawing this decision immediately.”
Workplace Journal reached out to the Gloucestershire County Council for a comment prior to publication.
