Unite & Government clash over use of PPE by firefighters at protests

Unite says firefighters who wore their personal protective equipment at a demonstration outside Number Six last week have been issued informal written warnings by the Government – describing this as a “worrying development”.

Number Six says it objects to "blatantly improper use" of taxpayer-funded equipment for the purpose of giving extra visibility to a demonstration.

The union says after Thursday’s demonstration, it was called to a meeting where it was told all off-duty firefighters who attended wearing personal protective equipment would be issued the warnings.

Unite says it wrote to the GFRS and Government on the 1st March about the action firefighters would be taking, including the intention to wear PPE.

It says it did not receive any answer indicating the Government's position that this was a breach of General Orders – and that instead, the Government waited for two demonstrations to take place before issuing warnings.

Unite says this itself is a breach of General Orders, as no informal verbal warning was issued first, with the issue of taxpayer-funded PPE only mentioned in a press release

Mr Davies says firefighters around the world wear their equipment on marches and demonstrations.

He says these warnings are clearly designed to undermine the effectiveness of the demonstrations - adding that rather than "cowing" the membership, it has strengthened their resolve. 

For its part, Number Six says it defends the right of all workers to exercise their right to protest.

However, it says essential PPE is funded by the taxpayer for the professional purposes for which it is designed, intended and acquired.

It says this is what it's addressed in a "lenient manner" in its communication with the firefighters.

The Government says it supports the work of the GFRS, but that it will not entertain the claim for a 7.5% pay rise for "night shifts" over and above what it calls their already fair remuneration.

It also notes that this week's demonstration has not been held today Thursday, as previously, as a number of those intending to protest are away from Gibraltar - with the protest set to go ahead tomorrow instead.