NEWS RELEASE Tuesday 3rd August 2004
STUC shocked as late addition of new negotiators sinks agreement on fire dispute
Following yesterday's last-minute rejection by the employers of a deal on the implementation of the fire dispute settlement, STUC General Secretary Bill Speirs said:
"I am shocked that extreme elements on the employers' side of the fire service have scuppered the provisional agreement reached through the tireless work of TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber.
"It will not have escaped notice that, amongst others, employer representatives from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and the Chair of the employers' side all voted for the package.
"The late arrival of a large number of additional employer representatives, previously uninvolved in the negotiations, appears to have swung the balance in favour of rejection. This is baffling, to say the least.
"The FBU, the TUC and the responsible leaders of the employers including Scotland's Pat Watters - have worked tirelessly to move things forward. The STUC General Council will hear tomorrow morning from key Scottish FBU negotiators, including FBU National Executive member John McDonald, and expect to make further comment thereafter"
ENDS
For further details contact: Bill Speirs David Moxham