On Wednesday 8th June 2005, The FBU Executive Council passed Resolution 899?? By a 12-6 majority.

UK-Fire notes with immense disappointment and complete shock, the resolution that the EC has brought forward regarding the UK-Fire web site

The site staff have studied the resolution agreed by the majority of the Executive Council (12 votes to 6) and will further consider the potential implications to the UK-FIRE website and it's membership.

At the present time, Site members should read the Admin thread on security and consider their own positions.

Details of the EC resolution are as follows with our reply to each point below:

EC STATEMENT
“This committee condemns the predominately anonymous and venomous personal attacks on FBU members and officials posted on the UK–FIRE web site. The vicious attacks fail to treat members with dignity and respect and are contrary to the rules and policies of the FBU.”

UK FIRE RESPONSE
As members will be aware, UK Fire has been a moderated site since its inception. The site has a comprehensive set of rules which are strictly enforced to ensure personal abuse is kept off the site. Constructive criticism is welcomed, personal abuse is not. New registrants of the site have to agree to abide by these rules in order to register and become members. We have a warning system installed which is used should members not adhere to this.

The issue of anonymity is there to protect site members from bullying and/or intimidation at work. It is inconceivable that the EC would wish to assist the employers in identifying site members.

EC STATEMENT
”This committee notes the concerns reflected at conference 2005 of potential and actual infiltration and use of the site by the BNP and non FBU members.”

UK FIRE RESPONSE
UK Fire has a zero tolerance policy of persons attempting to use the site as an outlet for political aims – BNP or otherwise. Due to the very sensitive nature of this subject, UK FIRE monitors and removes any such threads and has banned a number of individuals in the past for attempting to promote their own political views.

As for the ‘infiltration’ of non FBU members, this is an open forum for which no person has to justify their membership. The site is not sanctioned or run by the FBU therefore any person has the right to register and therefore post on the forum within the rules set by the Admin team.

EC STATEMENT
”Many of the postings are of a sexist, racist or homophobic nature and are contrary to the aims of the unions “All Different All Equal” policies.”

UK FIRE RESPONSE
The above statement is neither factual or just. Members are invited to take a look for themselves. UK FIRE (formerly 30k firepay) has had over a 1,000,000 posts. If the posts are so bad, why do we have such a high membership? Surely the members would not put up with this?

EC STATEMENT
This committee calls on the Executive Council to :

Rule that membership; administration and posting on the UK – FIRE web site are contrary and prejudicial to the interest of the union.

UK FIRE RESPONSE
Firstly, the majority of UK FIRE users are members of the FBU but not all. They come here to get information, exchange views and meet fellow members from around the UK. The ability to exchange views with fellow FBU members & other concerned parties does not prejudice the union, in fact it strengthens the unions ability to deal with the challenges facing it at the present time by giving it a valuable and fast communication network countrywide, particularly poignant following the recent Conference calls for unity.

Secondly, is the resolution saying that ALL members and ALL posts on the site are prejudicial or contrary to the union ?
Matters outside of FBU interest can not be prejudicial or contrary to the union. UK-Fire is a broad church and although predominantly concerned with FBU and Fire Service matters, it is not exclusively so.

EC STATEMENT
Instruct that no member or official should participate in the aims, objectives or administration of the site by posting on the site, operating or helping to operate it or having any dealings with the site except dealings specifically to ask for the removal of material on the site.

UK FIRE RESPONSE
Aims and Objectives? We don’t have any and never will. All we have attempted to do is to keep members informed with up to date information. UK FIRE has filled a void and as such has been rewarded with its membership and users. Would this include the posting of FBU documents, information from other sources which may assist members or even members commenting on non union matters ?

EC STATEMENT
Rule that the site acts outwith the democratic structure and democratic processes of the union.

UK FIRE RESPONSE
UK FIRE would note that this comment is very hypocritical. Banning the free use of a website that spreads information is, in itself, undemocratic. In fact, the word STALINISM springs to mind.

EC STATEMENT
Seek further legal advice to identify and take legal/IUD action against the site, its operators, contributors and against members who offend or breach FBU rules and policies.

UK FIRE RESPONSE
From time to time, issues have been posted that have potentially fallen into this category. UK Fire has removed these posts upon request. To Date, we have not had one legal case taken against the site, which would suggest that the site staff do a good job moderating posts etc.

EC STATEMENT
That a standing EC subcommittee be established with a remit to ensure that members and officials who are the subject of postings on this or other websites which undermine the aims and policies of FBU are afforded the full protection of the FBU. The remit of the committee will include identifying and initiating the appropriate action against any member or official who fail to uphold the aims and policies of the FBU on this site or any other website.'

UK FIRE RESPONSE
We would argue that this is a total waste of resources which should be diverted to fend off the attacks by the employers and not aimed needlessly at union members who are voicing their democratic right to free speech.


UK Fire calls upon the EC to stop this vindictive attack on an independent website and also on its own FBU membership. There are far more important issues facing the membership at the present time and the exposure to harrassment from certain EC officials can only add to the stressful situation that members now face. UK-Fire staff have recognised the call from conference floor for unity within the FBU and would hope that this is replicated within the EC and reflect in their decision making process.