Fire crews vote for strike action

West Midlands firefighters have voted in favour of strike action over changes to their shift system.

More than 2,000 union members took part in a ballot last month which had a majority of three to one in favour of action, it emerged on Friday.

Dates have not yet been set for the walk outs although unions have to give management at least seven days notice.

West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service has been liaising with the Army to provide emergency cover.

'Unwanted and irresponsible'

The fire service said it was disappointed and frustrated with the ballot result.

Chief Fire Officer Frank Sheehan called the action irresponsible.

Out of 1,950 members of staff ,approximately 850 voted to strike, he said, and he urged the union to reconsider.

"The firefighters have moved with the times, but this dispute is about the union which is supposed to represent them, refusing to recognise the modern day requirements of a 21st Century fire service."

A joint team of the army, RAF and navy will provide emergency cover during the strike using red fire engines.

Team leader Brigadier Chris Murray said: "It needs to be recognised the military is not a replacement fire service and we cannot match the professionalism , skills and capability of the full-time firefighters.

"However, we will work with the fire officers to protect the public and provide as best a service as we can."

Earlier, Fire Brigades Union (FBU) secretary Peter Gallagher said firefighters were unhappy with changes to the system which had been introduced without negotiation.

He said there were three issues - changes to annual leave, travelling expenses and compensation for finishing a shift at midnight.

"Members are having to do an extra shift per week. As well as having a home station they are also having to do a shift at a different station which is often quite a distance away," he said.