A growing sense of dissatisfaction among workers throughout Pembrokeshire may see large scale strikes this summer.

Across the UK, firefighters are teetering on the brink of a national strike which would see the Army called into firefighting duties for the first time since 1977.

County council employees across the country have been urged by their union, UNISON, to vote in favour of strike action which would see everyone from street cleaners to home carers to administration staff down tools. Pay is the issue in both disputes.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) complains that firefighters wages have fallen so far behind those of similar occupations that only a 40% rise will redress the balance. This would result in a £30,000 wage for professional firefighters on completion of four years training.

UNISON are calling for a 6% rise for council workers after being offered just 3%. This would ensure a minimum wage of £11,000.

Many Pembrokeshire County Council workers attended a UNISON meeting in Haverfordwest last Monday when they were told pay negotiations had reached a dead end. The result of the current strike ballot will be known by mid-July. If members vote in favour of the strike, there will be one day of total strike action followed by later, selective action.

The FBU held a massive rally in Central London last Tuesday to show its members support for the 40% demand. Thousands of firefighters marched from Trafalgar Square to Downing Street.

The Western Telegraph spoke to some Pembrokeshire firefighters as they made their way to the rally.

Simon Jenkins, who was stationed in Milford Haven before transferring to Carmarthen, said: All were fighting for is a salary thats fair and just for the service we provide. We dont want to take industrial action. Thats why were going to London to march; to show there is unanimous support to ask the Government for the necessary money to bring us up to a just wage.

Adrian Ashby, stationed in Pembroke Dock, added that firefighters wages had fallen way behind those of police officers.