Firefighters' third strike ends

Firefighters have already been on strike twice

The latest firefighters' strike over their pay dispute has ended.

Almost 2,000 firefighters in Northern Ireland took part in the 24-hour strike.

They were among about 35,000 firefighters across the United Kingdom taking part in the third stoppage in just over two months.

The third strike ended at 0900 GMT on Wednesday.

Firefighters are angry at what they see as the government's refusal to negotiate openly.

In Northern Ireland, 32 military Yellow Goddesses provided emergency cover.

They were deployed 18 times during the strike action

Firefighters don't want to be on strike but we are not prepared to be bullied into submission by the Blair government

Jim Barbour
Fire Brigades Union

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) went ahead with the walkout despite condemnation by the deputy prime minister that its action threatened public safety.

More than 500 military personnel assumed the firefighters' duties as they did in the last strike in November.

Speaking on Tuesday, Northern Ireland FBU representative Jim Barbour said: "Firefighters don't want to be on strike but we are not prepared to be bullied into submission by the Blair government.

"If it requires strike action for us to get a fair settlement for our just claim on pay, so be it."

The government has condemned the strike action.

Northern Ireland Office minister Des Browne said: "I very much regret that once again we can expect to be facing a period of potentially dangerous and damaging industrial action by the Fire Brigades Union."

It is widely believed that the employers and firefighters could be back around the negotiating table in a matter of days.

PLANNED STRIKES

21 January 24 hours

28 January 48 hours

1 February 48 hours

However, the FBU maintains 4,500 jobs will be axed and 150 fire stations closed if the recommendations are accepted.

Tuesday's strike is due to be followed by two further 48-hour stoppages on 28 January and 1 February.

Local authority employers have stood firm on a 4% pay offer, rising to 11% over two years, based on a review of the fire service by Sir George Bain.

They and the government say anything more must be funded by modernisation moves - which the FBU has been opposing as meaning job cuts and a reduced service.