Fire strikes called off

FIREFIGHTERS have called off a raft of strikes announced earlier this week after reaching an agreement over changing shift times.

The Fire Brigades Union had previously been locked in a dispute with South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue over a proposed move from nine to 12 hour shifts.

The FBU claimed that the switch was a prelude to cutting emergency cover during the night and will damage firefighters' family lives.

But following breakthrough talks this afternoon  the authority accepted an FBU proposal to introduce 10 hour day shifts and 14 hour night shifts, instead.

Union officials also revealed that the fire authority had withdrawn a threat to sack 744 firefighters if the changes it had previously imposed to try and force through the changes and immediately involve the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service in their discussions.

FBU regional secretary Ian Murray said: "South Yorkshire fire and rescue service has agreed to the offer we made to them this afternoon.

"There is a cessation of all industrial action, which will be finalised when ACAS terms of reference have been agreed by both sides.

"South Yorkshire firefighters would like to thank the public for their unswerving support and understanding.

"We also pay tribute to those local MPs and others who were encouraging the steps which have now been taken by the fire authority."

An emergency meeting of South Yorkshire fire crews is scheduled to take place tonight at 6pm at Wortley Hall.