FBU conference looks to continue fightback

The Fire Brigades Union 2015 conference is being held just days after the general election. Another 20% of cuts by the Tory government would reduce the fire service to the bone.

But are Labour fire authority members finally willing to fight back against the cuts and refuse to implement austerity?

The conference will take stock of the union’s campaign against the attack on pensions nationally and local resistance to fire service cuts and privatisation, recruitment freezes, and attacks on terms and conditions. This conference has to set the tone for continuing the fight against cuts with a sober but confident assessment of members’ determination.

Delegates should support the motion calling for the union to affiliate to the National Shop Stewards Network (NSSN). The NSSN has fully supported the FBU struggles and looked to build solidarity with the union across the movement, particularly against the victimisation of reps like Ricky Matthews.

Delegates should also vote against any motion which calls for affiliation to the pro-austerity Labour Party.

Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition fringe meeting: ‘After the election – What’s the political direction of the FBU?’

Thursday 14 May, 5.30pm

Imperial Hotel Blackpool, Imperial Suite 3

Speakers include: TUSC national chair Dave Nellist, FBU general secretary Matt Wrack, Essex FBU chair Ricardo La Torre, West Midlands FBU acting-chair David Pitt, Manchester FBU organiser Simon Hickman