Mopardave
Unfortunately, those that voted for Industrial Action fell straight into the trap set by the socialist left that runs the union. The union will now use it against the nasty centre-right Coalition Govt and the firemen that voted yes will be trapped in the middle.
Do the 46% that bothered to vote 'yes' (of which they had 78% of the cast vote) have my respect? - no. Do firefighters in general have my respect for their chosen profession? - yes, of course they do.
As for others saying "at least they stand up to the government" - well the military don't have that option; it's either put up, shove off or try not to turn up to work and go to prison! (alright, a little over simplified).
I don't like the fact that all of our public sector and state pensions are going to the right in age, I don't like the fact that loads of taxpayers cash gets spent on international aid/doley bums/international health tourists/european buffoonary/public sector red-tape/etc...etc... But striking about it is an outmoded and unhelpful act in my opinion - gone are the days of the Tolpuddle Martyrs.
Sadly, I fear we're seeing the end of the Fire Service as we know it - this will give the ConDems all the ammunition that they need to slay this 46 headed beast. As I said before, the 46% have just played into the hands of the great left/right divide and I fear that they will reap what they sowed.
B Word