999 CREWS IN BONFIRE TRUCE; Breakthrough as strike called off.

Byline: EXAMINER

THE latest strikes by South Yorkshire firefighters have been called off after breakthrough talks between fire managers and union officials.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said it had called off industrial action over shift time changes after fire chiefs agreed to bring in mediators Acas.

A strike due to take place last night was cancelled as has further action planned for later in the month.

FBU regional secretary Ian Murray said: "There is a cessation of all industrial action, which will be finalised when Acas terms of reference have been agreed by both sides."

Chief fire officer Mark Smitherman said: "I must thank the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority members who have stood firm in the face of considerable pressures in their resolve to improve the safety of the public and firefighters of South Yorkshire."

The decision to call off the latest strikes was made after a meeting between the FBU and the fire authority yesterday.

The dispute broke out after 744 employees were threatened with the sack if they did not accept new employment contracts to work 12-hour day and night shifts.

The fire authority wanted crews to work the new shifts in place of the current nine-hour days and 15-hour nights.