FIREFIGHTERS in Swindon remain defiant in their cause for more pay but are accepting the cancellation of today's planned strike.
The executive of the Fire Brigades' Union surprisingly called off a 24-hour action due to start at 6pm today and urged members to accept a deal worth 16 per cent over three years, linked to changes in working practises.
But delegates rejected the offer when it was put to the vote and more discussions are to take place.
Station Commander Pete Townsend, of Stratton and Westlea Fire Station, said: "I think with the escalation of war in Iraq I all firefighters in Swindon would want this strike today to be cancelled. The deal of 16 per cent would be totally unacceptable. We fear we are on a slippery slope to ruining the best fire service in the world."
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