Fire Brigades Union reacts to the King’s Speech

The King’s Speech is being delivered in the House of Lords today.

Responding to the speech, Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said:

“The steadfast commitment to start delivery of the New Deal for Working People within 100 days will significantly improve the lives of workers after 14 years of vicious anti trade union legislation from the Tories.

“The stated urgency to deliver on Labour’s plan to repeal the Minimum Service Levels Act, which effectively bans firefighters and other key workers going on strike to defend their jobs and wages, as part of that package is particularly welcome.

“Likewise, the banning of zero hours contracts and tackling fire and rehire.

“The commitment to increase the living wage as part of the New Deal for Working People is also hugely welcome and must be reflected in pay offers made to firefighters and other public sector workers after a decade and a half of severe wage restraint.”