CUMBRIA fire-fighters are to be balloted on Monday (August 9) over whether to take industrial action after talks between unions and employers broke down.
Full time fire-fighters are in dispute with employers over the principle of "stand-down" on the eight public holidays each year.
Bernard Dolan, deputy chief fire officer for Cumbria, explained that the Fire Brigades Union wanted its members to receive double pay and a day off in lieu for working public holidays, but also to stand-down while at work on those holidays that means they will be exempt from routine duties and only have to answer emergency calls on bank holidays.
Results of the ballot will be known on August 31 and the first possible strike date is September 7. Cumbria Fire Service has been working with the military and the Government and contingency plans are in place should strike action take place.
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