Firefighters remain determined as ever and will push on with more strikes if pay negotiations do not resume, their union says.
The warning from the FBU comes in the midst of the latest fire strike and two days before union leaders are due to meet Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.
Mr Prescott drew the ire of firefighters earlier this week in announcing Government plans to bring in legislation allowing the Secretary of State to force employment conditions on the Fire Service.
The planned legislation will be at the top of the agenda when FBU officials and Mr Prescott hold talks on Monday.
FBU general secretary Andy Gilchrist said agreements had to negotiated, rather than enforced, by the Government.
"We have always been prepared to enter serious negotiations. The Government has stopped offers, blocked offers and forced the employers to cancel talks last week.
"They have to stop blocking and start talking."
Firefighters are demanding a 30 per cent pay rise, but their employers and the Government have offered significantly less than this, and say any rises must be linked to modernisation of the fire service.
Nearly 20,000 troops are providing emergency cover during the 48-hour strike this weekend, which began at 9am today.
February 1, 2003 17:00
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