FBU conference recalled

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Name. Address Seeking a way out of the problems caused by their own failure to press last winter's firemen's strike to a successful conclusion, the FBU leaders have been forced to announce the recall of its delegate conference in a few week's time.

Terry Parry and the FBU Executive are acutely embarrassed by the local authorities' refusal to back down on plans to slash manning levels as part of the agreed introduction of the 42-hour week by November.

Arbitration

Right wingers also failed to win a vote to go to arbitration rather than consult the membership.

Management negotiators have been rubbing the FBU leaders' . noses into the mess caused by their own refusal to fight the TUC betrayal of the pay strike.

They have declared that they will only withdraw plans for a three-shift system with the 42hour week, and allow a continuation of the present two-shift system, it all their other demands for cutbacks are conceded by the FBU.

These include:

*Full acceptance of the jobevaluation study contained in the National Joint Council booklet "The Qualified Fireman's Job". This means incorporating as regular duties many jobs at present negotiated locally.

*The right of local authorities to introduce the "day manning" system-relying on firemen in tied housing next to fire stations-without any negotiations with the union. This could mean a two-thirds cut in manning in some stations.

Cut costs

*Variable manning and 'nucleus manning' are also proposed, to cut costs and prevent the introduction of the 42 hour week bringing an increase in jobs in the fire service.

*A new preface to be inserted into the NJC grey book on conditions of service as follows:

"Neither side of the NJC shall unilaterally impose or continue any restrictions on the Send full operation of national agreements. Disputes which cannot be resolved at local level after the exhaustion of any local machinery shall be referred to the NJC and no local action will be taken by either side, pending the outcome of national consideration"

action This would block local action by militant FBU areas, and leave members at the mercy of Executive level negotiations.

*A cut in the manning levels on appliances from the current level of five on the first appliance to the fire or road accident and four on subsequent appliances.

This is a straight decision to risk lives to save cash.

FBU members must ensure these demands are rejected in full, and the 42-hour week introduced The frustration and anger of hospital workers at the deterioration of their working conditions is shown the highpoint ofthe

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