A DISPUTE between the county’s Fire Brigades Union members and their bosses has ended after four years.
Crews have voted to accept the terms of a settlement negotiated by the union and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.
The agreement includes assurances from fire chiefs that the overall numbers of full-time fire fighters across the county will not fall, as long as central government funding is no worse than expected.
Keith Handscomb, the FBU’s executive council member, said: “The settlement also includes new terms and allowances underpinned by agreements on a detailed framework for improving industrial relations.
“It’s early days but, bit by bit, relations are starting to get better and so it is now up to both sides to take this opportunity to work together in facing the considerable challenges that lie ahead.”
Chief Fire Officer David Johnson said: “The Service will face significant financial challenges over the next couple of years and it is important for us all to focus our energies on the future and learn to work together once again to achieve the best possible outcome for Essex.”
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