fire fighters strike again

Speaking on the first walk-out of 2003, sub officer Colin Bird told the Herald: "All the time the union agrees to it, we will keep striking."

But Tuesday's industrial action wasn't even four hours old when they deserted their picket line and went to a car accident in Grand Avenue, after receiving reports someone could be trapped.

No one was. But the unofficial policy remains the same when someone's life is in danger, they will be there. And if Tuesday is anything to go by, they still have massive public support, even with the possibility of war.

Enough wood has been donated to keep the brazier burning at Worthing station right though the next two planned strikes and the donation bucket for the hardship fund keeps filling during the last eight day strike 3,000 was donated.

"There's definitely no less support than last time," said Mr Bird. "People beeped as they went past and quite a few have come in to show their support."

But the feeling on the front line wasn't quite the same. "We're fed up with the government not talking without laying down pre-conditions," said Mr Bird.

"And we seem to be suffering from a lack of information. Sometimes we're not sure where we're heading. Everyone's looking for a winner and loser.

"It should't be that way we should be able to find some common ground. We want a conclusion. We don't want it to drag on and on. No one wants to be on strike."

Station commander Pete Martin added: "We started off asking for 30,000 the same as a police officer now we'd be happy with 16 per cent, but without any strings.

"If you dial 999 for a fire in Worthing, two engines sometimes three will arrive in minutes.

"I don't think people want to lose their fire cover at night, which is what 'modernisation' will mean."

Firefighters are due back on the picket lines on January 28 and February 1 for two planned 48-hour strikes, unless there's a breakthrough in the pay talks.