FIREFIGHTERS have hit out at authorities for “deliberately undermining” their workplace power by attempting to recognise other unions and associations in the fire service.

Delegates meeting at the FBU’s annual conference urged members to “stand strong” against attempts by local and regional fire and rescue authorities to recognise workplace associations, such as the Fire Officers Association (FOA), to stop collective agreements being made between management and union representatives.

They also voted to demand the FBU’s leadership do “everything in its power” to defend local and regional unions against this practice.