Firefighters strike over call centre

Firefighters strike over call centre

Firefighters could be on the picket line within a week

Firefighters in Wiltshire have voted to take independent strike action in protest at a new joint control centre at Wiltshire Police Headquarters.

Almost 58% of the firefighters voted in favour of a strike, and are now forming a co-ordinating committee.

The combined control system - which would link the emergency services across Wiltshire and co-ordinate responses to 999 calls from a single centre - is due to open in May.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) is against the move and says it has concerns about jobs for control room staff and emergency response times.

Managers of the centre have said the change will improve the processing of 999 calls.

Strike action could now take place within the next week.

The regional FBU said it was pleased with the result, which it said showed the strength of feeling among members.