Unite the Union has initiated selective industrial action at the Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) in pursuit of a claim that HM Government of Gibraltar is both unwilling and unable to meet.

The union’s original demand amounted to an additional 20% of basic pay for alleged “shift disturbance.” Following its rejection, this was reformulated and ultimately reduced to 7.5% of basic pay. Despite the reduction in percentage, the substance of the claim remains unchanged and unjustified. The Government has rejected this claim consistently over a number of years, and industrial action will not alter that position.

The demand represents a fundamental departure from decades of established practice under which GFRS personnel are remunerated on an all-inclusive salary basis. There have been no material changes to terms and conditions, duties, or operational requirements that would justify the introduction of a new premium, allowance, or award. GFRS personnel already receive a number of allowances and premiums in addition to their basic salary and overtime arrangements.

Unite’s argument relies on a comparison with the Airport Fire and Rescue Service (AFRS), which is also represented by Unite, suggesting that differences in work patterns, specifically the incidence of night shifts, justify additional compensation for GFRS personnel in comparison to the AFRS. The Government categorically rejects this position.

GFRS and AFRS are separate organisations operating under distinct operational models. Both services are governed by the UK Grey Book (National Joint Council for Local Authority Fire and Rescue Services, 7th Edition). Firefighting grades are therefore subject to nationally agreed terms and conditions rather than the wider Gibraltar Public Service pay structures. Local variations are introduced only where objectively justified, and no such justification exists in this case.

An all-inclusive salary is intended to compensate personnel for the full range of operational requirements inherent in the role, including shift work and night duties. The incidence of such duties does not create an entitlement to additional pay.

It is also important to be clear about the level of remuneration involved. GFRS personnel receive significant and competitive salaries that properly reflect the responsibility and professionalism required of the role. Overall earnings compare very favourably within the region and beyond, as demonstrated by the absence of staff turnover and the exceptionally strong demand for vacancies, with over 100 applicants for only a small number of posts when recruitment exercises are held.

In the current fiscal environment, it would be neither responsible nor sustainable to introduce a permanent uplift of this nature in the absence of a clear legal, contractual, or operational basis. The Government will not concede to demands that are unreasonable, unaffordable, or inconsistent with long-standing agreed arrangements.

The Government remains committed to constructive engagement. However, it will not be coerced into altering established pay structures without proper justification. The public can be assured that all necessary measures will be taken to safeguard the health and safety of the community, regardless of any industrial action short of strike action or otherwise.