Striking Essex firefighters will not be "brow-beaten and starved back to work"
That was the reaction to deputy prime minister John Prescott's announcement that the law is to be changed to try to end the fire dispute
Speaking several hours into the latest 48-hour strike, Mr Prescott was accused of trying to crush the Fire Brigades' Union (FBU).
The organisation, which represents most Essex firefighters, wants a pay rise of almost 40 per cent to give qualified fire men and women a salary of £30,000 a year.
There is also disagreement between the FBU and the employers about whether changes should be made to how the service is run.
Yesterday, Mr Prescott told MPs that the Government would bring in an emergency law change giving it, rather than local employers, control over firefighters' pay.
He accused the FBU of "playing cat and mouse with the employers, the Government, public safety and public money".
But Dave Cain, the FBU's regional secretary for East Anglia, said the change in legislation was meant to wipe out the union.
He said "This is not going to bring strike action to an end at all. FBU members are determined and resolute. We're not going to be brow-beaten and starved back to work."
Published Wednesday, January 29, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article