8 Jul 2009

Firefighters to strike over pay

11:34 am on 8 July 2009

Firefighters are preparing to go on strike over pay, but the Fire Service says they will still respond to emergency calls.

Professional Firefighters Union members will refuse to use keyboards, expect at the communications centre where 111 calls are handled.

All fire stations, regional offices and training centres will be affected.

The strike is due to start in the South Island on 16 July for a week, and then move to the North Island.

Negotiations have broken down after six months of talks.

The Fire Service says firefighters are well paid and can earn up to $125,000 with overtime and allowances.