Huge 'yes' vote expected for firefighters

Union leaders are predicting a huge "yes" vote in favour of an all-out stoppage this autumn, putting pressure on the Government and raising the spectre of Green Goddess fire engines answering 999 calls.

Delegates from Hampshire will vote on balloting members at the union's annual conference recalled for next Thursday.

An unofficial work-to-rule has already spread to about 30 brigadesalthough not Hampshirewith crews only answering emergency calls and refusing to carry out other duties.

Hampshire's pay campaign coordinator, Wayne Parsons, said if members voted in favour, the strike could start around October 26th."It is action that we are still hoping to avoid at all costs.

"It is not something that we want, but we have been forced into this position. At the end of the day, it will be the ordinary, everyday firefighters with families who will decide whether we go on strike. This is not about union militants. The whole campaign has been member-led.

"Firefighters are struggling to get mortgages and pay the bills at the end of the month without having to rely on benefits or working long hours in second jobs."

Ten firefighters from North Walls station in Winchester were among the thousands who descended on Westminster last Monday to demand better pay.

They joined the demonstration as the Fire Brigades Union Council sat around the table with employers for crunch talks.

The meeting was a last-ditch effort to avert the threat of industrial action, which employers say would put lives at risk.

The FBU is demanding a rise of almost 40% to take the pay of a qualified firefighter from £21,500 a year to £30,000 but the Government is only offering 4%.

Sub-officer David Graham, from Winchester, said: "Every firefighter is reluctant to take strike action because they know the effect it will have.

"We are really upset that it has come to this, but we need a salary that reflects the cost of living."