FIREFIGHTERS across Barnsley are set to strike later this year following a vote earlier this week.
In the hope of averting strike action, the Fire Brigades Union has given the government and employers until Thursday to come forward with an improved offer which could be put to a vote of members.
If they go ahead, the strikes would be the first nationwide fire strike over pay since 2003.
FBU members rejected a below-inflation five per cent pay offer in November last year.
Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said: “Firefighters across the UK have spoken.
“The Fire Brigades Union has a decisive mandate for strike action.
“This is an overwhelming vote for strike action against an offer which would mean further significant cuts to real terms wages for firefighters and control room staff. “They have already lost at least 12 per cent of the value of their pay since 2010.
“This is an absolute last resort for our members.
“The responsibility for any disruption to services lies squarely with fire service employers and government ministers.”
A date has not yet been set for the strike action.
