NE W S R E L E A S E FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2003
Future of the Fire Service in Scotland: Joint Statement by the Fire Brigades Union and the Labour MSPs Trade Union Group
Members of the Scottish Parliament Labour's Trade Union Group and the FBU signal their commitment to work together to secure positive changes in Scotland's fire services, in a joint statement agreed following a recent meeting involving representatives of both organisations along with representatives of the STUC.
Attached is a copy of the full text of the joint statement.
For further information contact:
Bill Speirs, General Secretary, STUC
Cathy Peattie MSP
John McDonald, FBU
Tel: 0141 337 8100 / Fax: 0141 337 8101 / Email: twhite@stuc.org.uk
Joint statement by FBU and Labour MSPs Trade Union Group
The Scottish Fire Service is subject to both devolved and reserved powers. We look forward to a successful conclusion to negotiations on pay and conditions at UK level.
The Labour MSPs Trade Union Group agreed that the FBU must be fully consulted on all matters that impinge on the future of the Fire Service in Scotland. Both the FBU and the Labour MSPs Trade Union Group are committed to development of the Fire Service through a process of continuous dialogue and extensive consultation. The Labour MSPs Trade Union Group and the FBU fully support the Memorandum of Understanding agreed between the Scottish Executive and the STUC.
We wish to build on the document "The Scottish Fire Service of the Future", published by the Scottish Executive. We are agreed that in the next Parliament, a Fire Services Bill for Scotland should be brought forward. Such a Bill would be subject to full and extensive consultation prior to drafting and during its consideration by the Scottish Parliament.
The FBU are aware of concerns regarding the circulation of local leaflets that in some cases mount very personalised attacks on Labour MSPs and FBU leaders. The Labour Trade Union Group of MSPs and the FBU are clear that these leaflets are not the work of the Union and are not supported by it.
We are agreed on the importance of constructive change such as improvements in Community Fire Safety, and will work together to implement such change.
ENDS