Fire Brigades Union

HC Deb 24 June 2004 vol 422 cc1475-6W

Mr. Drew

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what part he has played in mediating a settlement between the Fire Brigades Union and the fire authorities. [179340]

Mr. Raynsford

Following the May 2002 pay claim from the Fire Brigades Union, Ministers encouraged the two sides to reach a negotiated settlement. The June 2003 agreement which ended the firefighters dispute set out a clear path for pay improvement linked to modernisation of the Fire and Rescue Service subject to some further negotiations. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister hopes that the parties will recognise that a negotiated settlement is the only way forward.