THE fire service has launched a strike contingency plan after talks with the union broke down again.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has been embroiled in a dispute with the Fire Brigades Union for seven months, after firefighters were unhappy with plans to overhaul the service, which they claim put lives at risk.

The two parties had been negotiating a deal, but talks collapsed prompting the service to launch Operation Gian.

Union members have been working to rule throughout the dispute, refusing to do overtime or “act up” into a senior position, but the fire service fears this industrial action could now escalate into a strike.

The operation includes offering fire appliance driver training and breathing apparatus training for all officers.

Deputy fire officer Gordon Hunter said: “Having rejected a very generous and fair offer, it now seems highly likely the FBU will carry out its threat to escalate its action.

“We will use all resources to ensure the best possible protection for our communities.”

Chief Fire Officer David Johnson accused the union’s committee of rejecting the offer. He said: “I and my management team have worked hard to try to resolve this dispute, but every time we offer more, the FBU simply asks for even more and threatens to increase industrial action if they don’t get everything.”

FBU secretary for Essex, Keith Flynn, responded: “We have not rejected his offer, and we are not asking for more and more. Mr Johnson needs to take a deep breath and return to the negotiating table.”

The FBU will have to ballot members before it initiates any strike action.