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Britain hit by firefighters strike
LONDON, England -- "Green Goddess" fire tenders -- many 40 years old and with a top speed of just 35 mph -- went into action as Britain was hit by its first strike by firefighters in 25 years. Manned by a force of 19,000 servicemen and women, the lumbering vehicles are being seen as a poor substitute for the normal fire vehicles. Tens of thousands of firefighters walked out at 6:00 p.m. (1800 GMT) on Wednesday after rejecting an 11 percent pay rise. They are demanding 40 percent. UK government ministers held a crisis meeting earlier to discuss emergency cover in the event of a major terror attack during the initial 48-hour stoppage. "We are more than aware, obviously, of the threat of international terrorism currently," Fire Brigades Union (FBU) head Andy Gilchrist told Reuters. "In the event of a catastrophic incident, the firefighters would seek to react in the best way that they possibly can." Just two days ago Prime Minister Tony Blair said the security services were warning on an almost daily basis of terrorist threats to a wide range of targets in the UK. Britain is also on a heightened alert in the run-up to Christmas over a possible terror attack. Local government minister Nick Raynsford chaired an emergency meeting of officials and fellow ministers on Wednesday in Downing Street's Cobra crisis room to check details of strike cover being provided by the military. Gilchrist suggested that firemen and women would leave picket lines to deal with an emergency. He said firemen and women were "humanitarians" and would offer any help to their fellow citizens. But Gilchrist warned there would be practical difficulties because firefighters would not be at their usual place of work when emergency calls were received. The FBU leader met Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott to discuss the government's contingency plans. Later Prescott told a news conference the firefighters' dispute "puts people and property at greater risk", adding that the strike action was "unnecessary and unreasonable." The strike could spread. Other workers, including those on underground transport systems such as the London Tube, could refuse to work if they believed their safety was at risk. Nineteen deep-sited London tube stations closed for the 48-hour stoppage. Other unions have said they will support members taking action, which could spark disputes across British industry. Fire warningsThe fire row, which has been gaining pace since April, has flared into the biggest industrial relations crisis since Labour returned to power under Tony Blair in 1997. On Monday, security guards and firefighters at seven of Britain's airports including Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted declared a series of one-day pay strikes that promise travel mayhem over the busy Christmas period. Other state workers from postmen to teachers are engaged in, or considering, strike action prompting reflections on the 1978-79 "Winter of Discontent" which helped topple a previous Labour government and sent the party into 18 years in opposition. An independent review of the fire service had recommended an 11 percent raise over two years. But the union wants annual pay raised from £21,000 ($32,500) to £30,000 ($46,500), an increase of 40 percent. Both local and national governments have said they cannot meet firefighters' demand. Labour Party Chairman John Reid noted the 11 percent offer was four times the inflation rate. "I think most people would think that the government are speaking in the real world," he said.
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