THE trades union which represents Craven's firefighters has condemned the unofficial strike action which has hit large parts of the country.

The Retained Firefighters Union (RFU) represents those who carry out their duties in their spare time, often leaving their place of work to answer an emergency call.

It has a no strike policy and blamed the current dispute on the failure of the permanent firemen to carry out modernisation.

"The RFU is dismayed at the news that unofficial action is sweeping the country by some members of the Fire Brigades' Union (FBU).

"We would like to make it clear to the general public that the vast majority of the retained service who are not members of the FBU will not be taking part in any form of industrial action," said a statement from the union.

"Events have taken place due to the FBU not following up promises of modernisation made to the national employers, which has meant that the seven per cent will not be paid in full on November 7.

"The FBU's restrictive practices still exist."

However, the RFU said there was an outcry by all retained personnel over the new retained pay structure formulated by the national employers and the FBU.

"The new structure has meant that personnel who hold a rank are to lose money. In addition, retained stations with an excess of 200 calls per year will also be worse off," the statement continued.

"Neither does the new structure help overcome the 20 per cent shortfall the retained service currently has, leaving fire engines without a crew in some areas, predominately during the day.

"We can understand the frustration personnel must be feeling at present, but unfortunately due to the stance taken by the FBU in failing to honour its promises over modernisation it leaves all personnel in limbo."

The union pointed out that retained firefighters cover 91 per cent of the UK's area, 60 per cent of its pumps, 55 per cent of fire stations and 30 per cent of the personnel employed, but only eight per cent of UK fire salaries.

During the fire strike earlier this year, the firefighters at Skipton, Settle, Grassington and Bentham stations continued working as normal.