Dumfries and Galloway firefighters call off strike action after accepting new pay deal

Strike action by Dumfries and Galloway firefighters is off after they accepted a new pay offer.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) voted “overwhelmingly” for industrial action after rejecting a five per cent increase last year.

But they have now voted to accept an improved offer of seven per cent, back dated to July, and a further five per cent from July 2023.

More than 80 per cent of union members took part in the ballot, with 96 per cent in favour of accepting the deal.

FBU general secretary, Matt Wrack, said: “The overwhelming vote by members to accept the improved offer means that the dispute is resolved on terms that are favourable to firefighters.

“We pay tribute to members of our union for their determination and unity throughout the past year. Firefighters will now receive two pay increases, including nine months of back pay. This result is testament to the power of collective action.

“Without the huge mandate for strike action by firefighters last month, this deal would never have been achieved.

“We moved our employers from two per cent in June last year, to five per cent in November, and now to seven per cent plus five per cent with an agreement to immediate talks on other areas where we have concerns over pay.

“The FBU leadership has been determined not to sugar-coat the offer. For the current year, seven per cent is still another real terms pay cut. For the following year, when inflation is forecast to be lower, five per cent may amount to a slight increase in real terms pay.”