Scotland's firefighters set to take pay dispute to Holyrood
The Scottish Fire Brigade Union is urging its members to reject a 5 percent pay offer
Firefighters say they've been left with "no choice" as they prepare to take their pay dispute to the Scottish Parliament this week.
It's set to be the biggest demonstration from the service in years.
Scottish FBU secretary John McKenzie says firefighters have been risking their lives while facing thousands of pounds in real terms pay cuts.
The union has urged its members to reject the latest 5% pay offer, with a consultative ballot opening on October 31 to November 14.
A further ballot for strike action could follow if the pay offer is rejected.
The FBU previously said firefighters were being forced to go to food banks amid the cost-of-living crisis.
Mr McKenzie added: "Firefighters risk their lives keeping the communities and people of Scotland safe.
"This cannot go on. Inflation is sitting at 12% and food, energy and other household bills are soaring.
"Taking strike action is always a last resort but our employers are increasingly leaving us with no choice."
A Scottish Government spokesman said: "Firefighter pay is negotiated through UK-wide collective bargaining arrangements, which includes SFRS as the employer. The Scottish Government is not part of these arrangements.
"The Scottish Government has continued the commitment to support SFRS service delivery and modernisation with a further uplift of Ă‚ÂŁ9.5 million for 2022-23 bringing the budget to Ă‚ÂŁ352.7 million."
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