Fire dispute talks break up

Picket lines could return if agreement is not reached

Talks to resolve unofficial industrial action by some fire crews in Northern Ireland have broken up without agreement.

Firefighters across the UK began a work to rule on Tuesday in protest at the decision to introduce a 7% pay rise in two stages.

They said they expected to get the full increase from this week.

A number of stations across the province have taken part in the work to rule and dealt with 999 calls only.

Firefighters in England and Scotland also took part in the action.

The action affected the day-to-day running of stations, with no training, equipment maintenance or safety inspections being carried out for its duration.

However, Jim Quinn from the Fire Brigades' Union gave a reassurance to people that they would not be affected.

"They will receive the full cover from the Northern Ireland Fire Brigade, which they have come to expect," he said.

NI UNOFFICIAL ACTION Ballymena Lisburn Lurgan Newry Crescent Link, Londonderry Northland Road, Derry Springfield Road, Belfast Whitla Street, Belfast Westland Road, Belfast

"Obviously what has happened has been spontaneous, and I am unaware what is going to happen in the days ahead.

"It's down to the members how they feel - the FBU has not given directions to anyone on this matter."

Anger has been mounting among firefighters since it emerged they would not receive a 7% pay rise from the start of this month.

Employers say the rise, due to come into effect on Friday, is conditional on changes being made in the fire service which are not yet complete.

By Wednesday, some fire stations had returned to normal working until the outcome of discussions are known.

On Tuesday evening, there was an informal meeting between the FBU chief, Andy Gilchrist, and the employers to set out the parameters of Wednesday's talks.

The FBU executive also met on Tuesday to consider its next steps, with one member telling BBC News there were likely to be calls at the meeting for firefighters to be balloted on industrial action.

Local authority employers have offered an initial 3.5% increase, with a further 3.5% rise backdated to 7 November once the changes are complete.

Obviously what has happened has been spontaneous, and I am unaware what is going to happen in the days ahead Jim Quinn FBU

No agreement was reached in a meeting on Monday night between FBU leaders and employers.

Jeff Ord, president of the Chief Fire Officers' Association, told BBC News: "Why take illegal action now?

"It's going to jeopardise the public and damage the reputation of the service."

Mr Ord said the Audit Commission would not be able to ratify the full 7% until next March.

Bonfire Night

A spokeswoman for the employers said: "The FBU has always been aware that the 7% would be payable from 7 November but not on 7 November.

"The agreement we signed in June required two conditions to be met, neither of which have yet been fulfilled. When they are, it will be backdated to 7 November."

The dispute has flared as fire services across Britain prepare for Bonfire Night on Wednesday.

The long-running pay dispute appeared to have been resolved in June, after months of strikes in which the Army used green goddess vehicles to provide cover.

Under the June agreement, 4% was paid immediately, back-dated to last November.

A further 7% was due this month, followed by a final rise of 4.2% next summer, lifting a firefighter's pay to £25,000.