March 24.

Firefighters will take strike action to defend their pay formula. The

formula was agreed with cross-party support after the strike in 1977/78

to take this essential service out of the annual round of pay bargaining

and to provide industrial stability. The Government is forcing our

employers unilaterally to withdraw from the formula and has stated

clearly that it will not be reintroduced.

Firefighters do not regard themselves as a special case and have a

proud record of supporting other workers fighting against low pay.

The Fire Brigades Union will not see its members return to the days of

collecting social security payments (rent rebates, free school meals,

etc.) while at the same time risking their lives at fires.

I am confident that firefighters are held in higher esteem than this

present Government.

John P. McDonald,

Strathclyde Brigade Chairperson,

52 St Enoch Square,

Glasgow.