NEXT STRIKE OFF: The FBU Executive Council has today agreed to take part in exploratory talks with ACAS to look at means and mechanisms for a positive way forward, so next weeks strike will be suppended.

LATEST NEWS: The TUC have supported a national demonstration called for by the Firefighters Union for Saturday 7th December. Click for details. Here is a short list of coaches going down to London, please add comments if you know of more.

Despite continued threats from government, employers and big business, firefighters are persisting in their second round of strikes for better pay and protection from job-cutting modernisation.

With pickets outside every fire station in the country, spirits are high among professional firefighters, many of whom are paid only £6 an hour. Locals are bringing food and warm drinks, while passersby are donating to strike funds and making their support heard with blaring horns and cheers as they drive by [Pictures 1|2|3][Audio 1]

Meanwhile, firefighters assisted anti-war actions at a protest outside the CBI conference in Manchester last weekend. And firefighters themselves have been receiving support from other public service employees, including striking teachers and council workers, earlier this week.