Vote 'no' in London firefighters' shifts ballot

Firefighters in London are voting on a deal to end their dispute over shifts. Socialist Worker is calling for a “no” vote on both options.

London’s FBU members are being presented with a “choice” of two complex deals that came out of arbitration.

One has a 13-hour night shift and 11-hour day, and the other a 13.5-hour night shift and 10.5-hour day but with some extra strings.

Both deals are slightly better than the bosses’ initial position—but they are still not acceptable.

The union is recommending the second deal.

But there is also an option to reject this false choice and say no to both.

It is becoming more and more obvious that there is discontent across the fire brigade at the deal. Firefighters know that much more could have been won if the union had not called off the strike it had planned for 5 November, bonfire night.

Bosses continue to dock big chunks of their pay—and some are still suspended.

The way forward is clear. Vote no—and pile on the pressure to get the strikes back on.