PRESS RELEASE : FBU hails “historic moment” for trade union movement as coordinated day of action takes place [February 2023]

The press release issued by the Fire Brigades Union on 1 February 2023.

Around half a million workers have today taken strike action for decent pay across rail, schools, central government and higher education.

It was also a day of action organised by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) to defend the right to strike, following the passage of the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill on Monday at Third Reading.

The Fire Brigades Union has this week achieved a decisive mandate for strike action on pay, with 88% of members voting Yes on a 73% turnout. In Northern Ireland, the result was even stronger, with 94% of members voting Yes.

Responding to the day’s events, Fire Brigades Union General Secretary Matt Wrack said:

“This is a historic moment for the labour movement. Trade unions are fighting not to disrupt public services, but to save them.

“In the fire service, pay has fallen by at least 12% in real terms since 2010, and it’s a similar story elsewhere. Striking workers have the support of the public because it is only by standing together that we can win decent pay for everyone.

“The new anti-union legislation is an attempt shut down the debate about pay and living standards. It’s an attack on our right to organise and on our democracy as a country. It’s an attempt to stop workers from standing up for themselves.

“I’m proud that the FBU is supporting today’s day of action. We still hope to resolve our dispute without a strike, but if that’s not possible, we will call action ourselves. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with other unions in the struggle ahead.”