Browse Sections

• Education
• Special reports

We were ready to settle, say firefighters

28/11/2002

FIREFIGHTERS insist they were happy to take a proposed 16 per cent pay rise until it was dramatically withdrawn two hours before they were due to walk out on strike.

At 9am on Friday, the city's firefighters walked out of their stations for the first eight day strike in 25 years - leaving the army in sole control of the fire service.

But behind the scenes, the Fire Brigade Union claim they were on the verge of settling the dispute until the offer of a 16 per cent pay rise was withdrawn at the last minute.

Area officer Ian Johnson explained: "We're annoyed and angry with Tony Blair because he didn't do anything to get this mess sorted.

"We didn't expect to be on strike until about 7am, it was then we became aware they had scrapped the plan and we would have to walk out."

Mr Blair warned firefighters they would not get any deal unless they subscribe to the modernisation package outlined in the Bain Review which firefighters believe is unrealistic and would leave the fire service drastically short of cover.

Firefighters across the city have written to The Advertiser to thank the public for their support. Salford Station Officer Ben Levy said: "We have had excellent support from the local people who have been great."

Meanwhile, army officers say they are happy to continue as emergency firefighters and have trained more troops in preparation for more strikes.

Army press officer James Gaskin said the military would continue to provide cover if firefighters go ahead with the second eight day strike planned for December 4.

He said: "We know we can never replace the job the fire service do, but we are gaining a little bit more experience and a little bit more confidence in our own ability."

Army crews have responded to a number of incidents in Salford since they were called into action on Friday.

Green goddess engines were called to a major house fire in Seedley (see front page) and a HGV on fire on the East Lancs at the junction with Newearth Road on Sunday.

The army's Manchester-based press office also reported seven vehicle fires, three rubbish fires, a large fire at the former Crossley Sheds premises in Memorial Road in Walkden and a fire at an empty house at Cumbray Gardens in Weaste at 11.25pm on Saturday.