Firefighters knock back pay deal in row over new duties
Chiefs want them to help at slips, trips and falls as well as life-threatening incidents
Firefighters in Scotland have rejected a pay offer amid a dispute over new duties.
Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) rejected the offer from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) by a margin of 60% to 40% on an 81% turnout.
The FBU says plans for firefighters to take on significant areas'' of health and social care work would see them attend incidents involvingslips, trips and falls'', and cardiac arrest emergencies.
Denise Christie, FBU Scotland secretary, said: Our members have turned out in their masses at meetings across Scotland and to vote in this ballot.
The consensus is clear; we want and deserve a pay increase, but the offer in its current form is unacceptable.
We've been consistent throughout negotiations. Real progress has been made since the last offer was rejected in June, but some serious changes are needed to make this acceptable to our members.
The SFRS need to listen to the concerns of their staff and get back around the negotiating table.''
Firefighters in Scotland and control staff previously rejected a pay offer in July.
That initial offer was refused over concerns including how the proposed changes to a crew member's role would impact on core responsibilities and training, as well as the proposed pay increase.
The FBU also highlighted issues over the ability of the Scottish Ambulance Service and health and social care partners to carry out their duties when co-responding to incidents alongside fire crews.