TUC offers support to firefighters against 'bullying management' in contract row

London firefighters threatening industrial action were promised the full support of the TUC in their dispute against "bullying management" over new contracts.

Deputy general secretary Frances O'Grady told a Fire Brigades Union rally last night that "unilateral" changes to their employment contracts, including new shift patterns, were "completely unacceptable".

The firefighters will start voting on Friday on whether to launch a campaign of action short of a strike, which could start from September 24.

Ms O'Grady told the rally in central London: "I'm proud to support your campaign against bullying, dictatorial management.

"The difficult, demanding and dangerous work you do is being put at risk by cavalier, reckless behaviour by your bosses.

"Threatening to sack the entire London workforce if they do not sign up to new contracts is the industrial equivalent of holding a gun to someone's head.

"Our message is loud and clear. Firefighters will unite to defend their terms and conditions. We are deeply concerned that this treatment could set a dangerous precedent.

"A green light for further attacks on terms and conditions, and cuts that would put your safety and the public's safety at risk.

"The TUC will work alongside you and your union to secure a just and fair resolution to the problems within the London Fire Service."

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack told 600 firefighters at the rally: "The proposal to end the contracts of all London firefighters is the most disgraceful thing I have ever seen in the fire service.

"If they are going to go down this road there is only one way to challenge them and that is strike action. For our own self-esteem we have to do something about it. We have to defend the fire service."

Mr Wrack said he believed public opinion would be on the side of the firefighters.

London Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson said industrial action was "totally unnecessary", adding that a settlement could be achieved in the next few months.

During talks held this year with the FBU, managers offered to move from a proposed new 12-hour day and 12-hour night shift to a 13-hour day and 11-hour night shift, while ensuring firefighters continued to work two days, two nights and have four days off.