Firefighters balloted over strike action

Sep 18 2007 By Steve Johnson, Birmingham Mail

MORE than 1,600 firefighters across the West Midlands are to be ballotted over industrial action following the controversial sacking of two Black Country colleagues.

The Mail revealed yesterday that firefighters were threatening a strike in support of Watch Commander Mark Smith and Crew Commander Lee Evans.

They lost their jobs after a practical joke was played on a new recruit, who was allegedly asked to ballet dance during a spoof interview.

An appeal against the dismissals was thrown out but the decision has caused uproar among colleagues.

Chris Downes, Dudley borough rep with the Fire Brigades Union, said that a meeting of the FBU yesterday registered an official dispute with the West Midlands Fire Service.

And he said it had also been decided to ask the Executive Council of the FBU for permission to ballot all 1,681 West Midland firefighters who are members of the union.

"The feedback I am getting suggests there is overwhelming support for Mark and Lee - firefighting colleagues believe their sackings were draconian and severe.

"I am confident they will vote for industrial action.

"The two men are going to an employment tribunal and should reinstatement be recommended and the fire service does not do so, I can see colleagues taking action which could ultimately mean a strike."

Mr Downes said firefighters shocked by the sackings felt that the punishment handed out to Mark and Lee did not fit the crime.

"Morale in the fire service is at an all-time low and firemen are furious over what has happened to Mark and Lee.

"Fair enough, rules and regulations were broken and it was a joke which went too far but surely sacking these two good men was too much. There is a climate of fear among firefighters at the moment," he added.

A West Midlands Fire Service spokesman said the service could not comment on disciplinary matters.