Firefighters demonstrate outside Parliament but Government says it won't entertain their pay claim

The Government has rejected claims by protesting fire-fighters, describing their demands as unjustified and accusing them of misrepresenting ongoing discussions.

The dispute with GFRS continues amid weeks of industrial action, with fire-fighters calling for a pay deal and renewed engagement from the Government.

This morning, fire-fighters demonstrated outside Parliament as MPs arrived for the Treaty bill. 

The Government issued another press release, Monday evening acknowledging the demonstration outside Parliament.

Number Six says it notes the protesters’ renewed willingness to meet and is open to doing so, but stresses that its position will not change.

Responding to Unite’s claim that no minister or official came out to meet them during protests outside Convent Place, the Government says it was simply respecting their request not to do so.

It also points out that the Chief Minister shook hands with every demonstrator today, including those who had initially turned their backs and refused, describing this as both remarkable and unfortunate behaviour.

Number Six adds that it remains supportive of the excellent work carried out by the GFRS, while reminding the community to compare their salaries with those of their UK counterparts.

The Government reiterates that it will not agree to the current claim, or any part of it.