This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Executive comment on fire strike
22/11/2002
Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) today began an
eight-day strike in pursuit of a pay claim.
Deputy First Minister and Justice Minister Jim Wallace
said:
"I am dismayed that the FBU have decided to go ahead
with an eight day strike. The strike is unhelpful and puts
public safety at risk. This dispute will be resolved at the
negotiating table not the picket line.
"What was on the table in the early hours of this
morning fell far short of the modernising agenda which
everyone had made clear was expected. It was uncosted,
unfunded and very unclear how any modernisation would be
evaluated. Government could not reasonably be expected to
sign a blank cheque.
"As an Executive we must continue to do everything
possible to make sure our contingency plans offer the
maximum level of protection to the public.
"I have instructed officials in the Justice Department
to re-locate the remaining four vehicles from the Fire
Training School at Gullane to the military to allow further
training on Red Goddesses to take place.
"Since Ministers took the decision last Friday to
provide Red Goddesses for the military to train on we have
been able to secure nine vehicles.
"I have written to all Fire Authorities asking for
assistance from their reserve fleets. We now have an
additional 18 vehicles from fire authorities which have
been handed over to the military.
"This brings the total complement of Red Goddesses in
Scotland to 27. These appliances will only be used once the
military are satisfied that their personnel have been
properly trained on this equipment.
"Our contingency plans have now been activated once
again. The military responded very well in the 48-hour
strike but an eight day strike is of a very different
magnitude.
"It is particularly important, therefore, to do
everything we can to avoid fires starting in the first
place. Please be extra careful over the coming week.
"Public safety will be put at risk during this strike
and this time for a much longer period. Take special care
and if a fire does start please remember - Get out. Stay
out and dial 999."