Collective Action & Solidarity: Inside the FBU with Scottish Chair Gus Sproul

The union is more than a pay negotiation—it’s a bulwark against extremism and a lifeline for the working class.Gus Sproul, Scottish Chair, FBUIn this episode, we sit down with Gus Sproul, a firefighter of over 20 years and currently the Scottish Regional Chair of the FBU. Gus takes us beyond the sirens to explore the union’s role as a ‘bulwark against extremism’ and a hub for international solidarity. From the front lines of fire safety in Scotland to sending fire engines to Palestine, Gus explains why organised labour is the ultimate tool for challenging systemic injustice.The conversation takes a poignant turn as Scott and Gus discuss the "hidden killer" facing the fire service. Scott was an operational fire fighter for 10 years and was recently diagnosed with an incurable form of leukaemia. Ground-breaking research funded by the FBU has revealed a terrifying reality: firefighters’ mortality rate from all cancers is 1.6 times higher than the general population. For those in the 35–39 age bracket, the cancer rate is up to 323% higher than their peers in other professions. Most strikingly for Scott’s own journey, the study found that firefighters are over 3 times more likely to die from Leukaemia. These aren't just numbers; they represent a systemic failure to protect those who run into burning buildings, with many being diagnosed with rare or terminal cancers far too late because current NHS screening doesn't account for these heightened occupational risks. Positive cultural changes have been made and improvement continues thanks to the FBU.Guest: Gus Sproul* Role: Scottish Regional Chair of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU).* Background: A 25-year veteran of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. He moved into full-time union leadership in 2022.* Perspective: Gus is a vocal proponent of working-class political education, viewing the union as a vital source of social awareness and a primary defense against legislative attacks on workers.The Fire Brigades Union (FBU)The FBU is the democratic voice for the UK’s firefighters and control staff. Beyond negotiating pay and conditions, the union is a leader in:* Safety & Standards: Driving the research and legislation required to protect crews from operational hazards.* Equality: Hosting dedicated sections for B&EMM, LGBT+, and Women members to ensure a protected, diverse workforce.* Internationalism: Providing life-saving equipment and training to firefighters in conflict zones, including Palestine, through global solidarity initiatives.The Fight for Firefighter HealthA deeply personal segment of this episode focuses on the link between firefighting and occupational cancer—a subject of particular resonance for host Scott, a ten-year veteran of the service and a sufferer of CML (Chronic Myeloid Leukemia).* Contaminants & Carcinogens: Discussion on the FBU’s “DECON” campaign, which aims to change fire service culture regarding toxic fire effluents and skin absorption.* The Legislative Battle: Why the union is fighting for “presumptive legislation,” ensuring that firefighters who develop certain cancers are automatically recognized as having an occupational disease rather than being left to fight for recognition alone.In This Episode, We Discuss:* The shift from 1980s community-rooted unionism to today’s legislative challenges.* The reality of occupational cancer and the urgent need for better health protections for crews.* Why international solidarity is a core pillar of the FBU’s mission.* How collective action serves as the ultimate tool for challenging systemic injustice. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecreativeresistancepodcast.substack.com