The threat of strike action by firefighters throughout North and East Yorkshire was looming today.

Members of the 52,500-strong Fire Brigades Union (FBU) were meeting in Bridlington to decide whether to launch their first national strike in more than 20 years.

A regional union spokesman said local firefighters would back the strike call, and a former York union representative predicted changes to the service would be "disastrous" in North Yorkshire.

FBU General Secretary Ken Cameron was calling for action to defend nationally-agreed conditions of service.

The union claims proposals by the fire service employers for "local flexibility" threaten the National Joint Council, on which the employers and the FBU agree employment conditions.

The FBU says proposed local agreements are aimed at breaking existing shift and duty systems and lowering fire cover standards by reducing firefighters' numbers.Former York union representative Mick Brighton, who works at the city's fire station and is a Labour city councillor, said: "We want to stay as we are. It could be pretty disastrous if they start changing the conditions.

"North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is a fairly small unit, and we would find it difficult to recruit and train firefighters here. All the units would be offering different conditions and we wouldn't be able to compete."

Firefighters and control staff have been meeting to consider a strike call from the union's national executive council, which could clear the way for a national ballot on action if the employers attempt to alter conditions unilaterally.

Mr Cameron stated: "There is no doubt about our members' anger at the employers' proposals.

"Despite consistent under-funding, firefighters and control staff continue to provide an excellent service and unbeatable value for money."

He said union members were "angry and bemused" that they were being targeted for efficiency savings.

Regional FBU chairman Terry Allisonsaid: "The feeling among our members in Yorkshire and Humberside is that they will give the emergency resolution full backing."

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