Firefighters will strike across London

FIREFIGHTERS in London have voted for all out strike action after causing disruption to services after three weeks of working to rule.

The workers voted in favour of all out strike by a majority of 79 per cent on a 79 per cent turn out.

Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack said: “This is a huge vote for strike action. Firefighters hate going on strike – but they hate being bullied even more.”

The firefighters claim changes to shift patterns by London fire brigade are unfair and pave the way for reducing staff numbers.

They claim they are being forced into accepting the changes.

The FBU said an announcement would be made tomorrow on the dates of the strike to allow managers another 24 hours to re-negotiate.

“We are holding off announcing strike dates for 24 hours in order to give the London Fire Brigade a last chance to do the sensible thing and withdraw the letters of dismissal so we can return to negotiating on the question of shift patterns,” FBU executive member for London Ian Leahair said.