THE threat of a new nationwide strike by firefighters emerged
because of a new row over pay. Leaders of the Fire Brigades' Union will discuss the prospect of
industrial action at a meeting next month unless the dispute is resolved. The prospect of walkouts has flared after the failure to resolve a
disagreement over the payment of an allowance for firefighters after they reach 15 years of service. Under the deal which ended the bitter dispute of 2002/3, the
long-service award is to be phased out and replaced with a new payment. The new arrangement will lead to more firefighters receiving money,
but the amount they will receive will be cut from £999 to £495. The union said fire authorities across the UK had started to
introduce the new system before an agreement had been reached. Talks have been held in recent weeks to try to achieve a
breakthrough, but no agreement has been reached. The Local Government Association, which represents fire authorities,
said constructive talks were taking place in a bid to resolve the dispute.
