Fresh effort to break fire dispute deadlock

The authority and fire service management have been in a stalemate with union officials for several weeks over changes to firefighters' shift times and other working practices.

A series of strikes were held by the Fire Brigades Union late last year over plans to introduce two 12-hour shifts to replace the current 15-hour day shift and nine-hour night shift.

Those strikes were called off after a compromise deal was reached, but negotiations broke down again earlier this month, leading to the threat of further extended stoppages.

The FBU argues that shift changes are unnecessary and will lead to the downgrading of cover at nights.

A 48-hour strike was due to start at 9am on Sunday, but was called off by union officials at the last minute after the fire authority agreed to discuss the dispute at yesterday's meeting.

Fire authority chairman Jim Andrews said last night: "The current dispute has lasted well over a year. It is of no benefit to anyone, least of all the public in South Yorkshire. We have today decided to refer the matter to the National Joint Council, hopefully for a speedy resolution".

FBU branch secretary Ian Murray said: "We're pleased the fire authority accepted our proposals to involve the national employers and union representatives. They have helped resolve numerous disputes in the last few years.

"South Yorkshire fire crews want the issues sorted out as a whole so that the dispute does not drag on unnecessarily for months. It is important this agreement is followed with a commitment by both sides to seek resolution."