Fire Brigades Union say they will keep fighting to stop cuts in Oxfordshire
National solidarity shown at Oxford march against council's proposals
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) is warning of potential industrial action in response to proposed cuts to the fire service in Oxfordshire.
Steve Wright, the union's general secretary, announced that a consultative ballot will be held among local firefighters, with the outcome guiding the union's next steps.
"Unfortunately it seems like the council are keen to push through these proposals and firefighters are telling me that enough is enough and their last resort is industrial action," he said.
"We hope the county council will withdraw these proposals and get back round the table with local officials to sort this out - we cannot and will not take anymore cuts to the frontline of the fire and rescue service in Oxfordshire or elsewhere."
A march in Oxford yesterday saw FBU officials from various UK brigades rally against the cuts, moving from Saïd Business School to County Hall, and concluding at Rewley Road station - one of the key stations that could be impacted by proposals.
Brigade Secretary in Oxfordshire, Jonathan Shuker, emphasised the importance of national unity, stating: "We’re saying that if you’re taking on one of us you’re going to take on all of us. It’s not just happening in Oxfordshire it’s in other places as well so it’s about solidarity and making sure that we get our voices heard."
He noted that previous support for industrial action in a December survey where 74% of members were in favour.
Lee Newport, another FBU official in Oxfordshire, criticized the consultation process, comparing it to past contentious issues in the region.
“I don’t think consultation means anything in Oxfordshire, the congestion charge proved that. They’ll say it’s different, it’s not different. It looks like a preconceived plan and that’s what our members believe it to be."
Kiah Middleton, a firefighter from County Durham and Darlington, attended the march in support, voicing concerns about the spread of such cuts nationwide.
“These cuts are disastrous for Oxfordshire and they are going to spread like a disease if we don’t nip this in the bud now,” she said.
Simon Leroux, North Area Secretary for Region 1 in Scotland, echoed this sentiment, saying: “A cut to one fire and rescue service is a cut to every fire and rescue service.
"If we don’t fight then we’ll never win so we’ve got to show that people in charge who have got hold of those purse strings that if they want a function in for rescue service across the UK they’re going to have to fund that and dig deep to make sure that the community they work on behalf of are kept safe.”
Adam Taylor, National Officer for the FBU, remarked on the nationwide support and determination to challenge the plans.
"We’re going to fight back here and show Oxfordshire firefighters saying they’re not alone," he said. "There is confidence out there, we’ve seen cuts reversed in other places like Leicestershire and Avon and we have ability to reverse those cuts here.”
A spokesperson from Oxfordshire County Council said: “We would like to thank everybody who took part in the public consultation. We will now collate and carefully analyse what people have said.
"The results of the consultation will be published when details are reported back to the county council’s cabinet for decision making. This includes responses from partner agencies. No date has yet been set for the decision-making process.”