Mopardave,
Having spent many weeks doing scenic tours of Nottingham in a Green Godess in the 1970s. I like many of my then colleagues would never question the firemans bravery,ability nor commitment I'm sure. The fact cannot be denied, surely, that many of the troops, if they use troops, who will take up your duties should you strike, are paid less than you are, and, have no right to strike. Just being "whistful" for a second or two. The firemen that took on the Blitz in Coventry, Portsmouth and London Docks did not put their pay and pensions before their duty. Neither do British servicemen. I have always had respect for my fellow public servants in the Fire, Police and Ambulance services, but, the use of unions and strike action does now lead me to question that belief.
Smudge