Action threat over fire proposals

Tayside firefighters said they were not minded to strike

Firefighters in Tayside have warned of industrial action over controversial new plans for fire cover in the area.

Fire chiefs said the proposals would provide the public with a better service, but the Fire Brigades Union expressed disappointment.

The 24-hour crew at Balmossie would be cut to to a dayshift and part-time fire fighters would work at night.

The freed-up staff would provide an extra dayshift in Perth and Forfar, said Tayside Fire and Rescue Service.

After using computer software to run more than 250 scenarios over the last 18 months, fire bosses said resources at Balmossie station, which covers areas including Broughty Ferry and Monifieth, could be better used elsewhere.

It may be industrial action is the only way firefighters will be able to show the depth of their anger Jim Malone Fire Brigades Union

FBU Tayside Secretary Jim Malone said the extra Perth and Forfar crews should be on 24 hours, and criticised cuts at Balmossie.

He said the proposals, which would come into force in 2009-10 - as well as 16 job cuts previously announced at the Blackness and Balmossie stations - meant the union had "a fight on its hands".

"It may be industrial action is the only way firefighters will be able to show the depth of their anger," he told the BBC Scotland news website.

"Union members are not of the opinion they should be taking strike action, but they are of the opinion they should be taking action short of strike action."

Tayside Fire and Rescue chief officer, Stephen Hunter, said he was disappointed to hear industrial action had been raised at an early stage.

"This proposal will result in firefighters being available to deliver community safety initiatives for more than 21,000 hours per year more than at present," he said.

"It will also result in more full-time crewed fire engines being available to respond to fires and other emergencies over the period of greatest demand and at locations which can more effectively respond to that demand."