Interesting - if true, Becksian logic (that's logic fuelled by a bottle of Becks for those unaware of this important element of philosophical reasoning) suggests:
1. FBU members won't touch fire engine again
2. UK left with large numbers of nice, shiny red fire engines packed full of up-to-date equipment...
3. Therefore, new owners required: MoD, anyone, replacing the Green Goddesses?? Be a shame to let them go to waste. After all, we, the taxpayers, have paid for them.
4. Fire fighters discover that a) chaps and chapesses on FRESCO do as good as or better job. Embarrassed return to work the only credible option.
5. No fire engines any more.
6. Local authorities have to buy new ones.
7. 'Sorry, Mr Gilchrist - we have to buy new fire engines, so we can't afford any pay increase at all for your members. Of course, you can insist on the pay increase, but without any fire engines, you can't work, so we'll have to sack all your members...'
I don't think that the FBU have thought this one through: don't use the fire engines, the government has the right to point out that as taxpayers property, they'll have them all, thank you. No fire engine, Sam, no job. New fire engine needed? No money to pay you with. Your choice...