Union leaders say that the fire and rescue workers’ dispute on the Clyde naval bases has been escalated because of fears over over fire response provision.
Unite members working for Capita Business Services Ltd at Faslane and Coulport have raised ‘safety critical’ concerns over the effectiveness of fire response cover as workers take part in strike action.
They have been involved in an overtime ban since September 16, and six-hour strike action on various days since October 19.
During these periods of industrial action, firefighters have raised concerns that resilience crews brought in to cover may not have the competencies to deal with unique safety critical assets, and risks related to maritime fire-fighting and nuclear radiation.
Debbie Hutchings, Unite industrial officer, said: “Unite has major concerns over the effectiveness and competence of the replacement crews being brought into cover during periods of industrial action at the Clyde naval bases.
“We have contacted the MoD with a list of our concerns, and want assurances that they are addressed, specifically, over the necessary standards of training that are expected on site.
“If we do not receive these assurances then it opens up the real possibility that not only has safety been compromised at the nuclear bases but that it has in fact been permitted by the MoD.”
Unite has been involved in an ongoing dispute over job cuts and health and safety with Capita due to a 15% cut in specialist fire safety crew at Coulport and Faslane.
Capita won the contract in 2020 for fire response services from the MoD.
An MoD spokesperson said: “Industrial action is a matter between the contractor and the union.
“Safety on the base will not be compromised and Capita will provide contingency arrangements to ensure that on-site fire and rescue cover is maintained.”
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