[joeysteele]

Sadly because of the Govts stubbornness on these issues,what are the firefighters to do, how can they get notice taken and compromises made if they are not being listened to as to their grievances and needs.

The arrogance of the govt. on this issue is beyond belief and if they will not listen and reasonably take on board the concerns of the firefighters, then really what else can the firefighters do other than force notice to be taken of them.

I don't like strikes,in the modern world those in power over the working population and those who are the working population, should be able to get round a table and work all hours they can to reach agreement.
If the govt. in power is dismissive,like this one is, and is not prepared to listen then I reluctantly say the firefighters are right to strike in that instance.

The firefighters will not have taken that decision lightly and are likely to always be willing to try to talk things through,however they likely are really sick now of just always being talked 'at' rather then being talked 'to' by the govt.