Picket lines could return if agreement is not reached

Three resolutions calling for a split have been tabled for the annual conference of the Fire Brigades Union later this year.

There will also be calls for fresh industrial action if the agreed pay increase is not met by the summer.

But General secretary Andy Gilchrist will oppose any move to leave Labour.

Three of the motions from Strathclyde, Northern Ireland and Berkshire call for the union to leave the Labour party.

They cite the way the government handled the bitter nine-month dispute and the heated language used against firefighters during the strike.

Cash maintained

Others are demanding a fresh ballot on industrial action if the staged pay rise for qualified firefighters is not met in full by the summer.

Another resolution from Kent calls on the FBU to allow regions to affiliate to other opposition political parties.

This stance was adopted by the biggest rail union, the RMT, but it now risks disaffiliation from Labour next week for breaking party rules.

Andy Gilchrist opposes disaffiliation

Unlike other unions, the firefighters' union has not reduced its political levy to Labour, which is about �50,000 a year.

General secretary Andy Gilchrist is set to oppose any move to leave the party because he believes it is better to fight from a position of influence supported by a stronger left wing trade union movement.

Major plans to modernise the fire service were published by the government earlier this month.

The Fire And Rescue Services Bill was drawn up following last year's pay dispute.

The dispute ended in June with agreement on a 16% pay increase.

Firefighters received a gradual increase in their pay packets and by next summer the average wage will be �25,000.