The 2003 U.K. Fire Service Strike

Paper Summary:

This paper aims to critically analyze the actions of the government in response to the Fire Brigades Union's decision to take industrial action in 2002-2003 and considers the wider implications and consequences for future government-trade union relations and conflict resolution. It looks at how the dispute began as a pay claim by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) in April 2002 and was complicated by the government's modernization policy in the public sector and aims to uncover the impact of the conflict, at an organizational level and assess the implications in the wider industrial relations environment for other public sector workers and trade unions.
Outline
Abstract
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Literature Review
The Contemporary Context of the 2002-2003 Fire Dispute
Chapter 3 Methodology
Research Design and Methodology
Chapter 4 Discussion and Findings
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The election victory in 1997 of a newly revitalized and rebranded "New"Labour Party, initially promised much to trade union leaders, who had hoped for a close, mutual relationship reminiscent of the past. Committing to the previous government's expenditure plans, its manifesto (Labour Party, 1997) clearly spelled out few positive messages for trade unions who hoped that collectivist beliefs would form the cornerstone of Labour policy. However, in its business manifesto "New Opportunities for Business", it was revealed that Labour would not bring about a "blanket repeal of the main elements" on ballots, picketing, and industrial action - of the 1980s employment and industrial relations legislation" (Rose, 2001:233), stressing a greater emphasis on partnership agreements."

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