They are joining colleagues and emergency fire control operators from all parts of the UK in demands for a major rise in basic pay.

National strike action in the British fire service now appears to be the only choice left to firefighters

Dick Pearson, Fire Brigades Union

Firefighters in Neath met their local MP Peter Hain on Friday to discuss the current pay claim.

The firefighters believe their pay is lagging behind other professional workers.

They say an annual salary of �21,500 for a fully qualified firefighter with five years experience compares badly with a police officer who would take home almost �30,000.

Fire Brigade Union's regional official Dick Pearson said: "Peter Hain has maintained a consistent position in regard to firefighters' call to be paid as professional workers.

"He is prepared to meet with local firefighters at their station to demonstrate this support."

"The current national negotiations over the pay of firefighters are deadlocked.

Firefighters have a dangerous job

"National strike action in the British fire service now appears to be the only choice left to firefighters."

Military personnel from the Army, Navy and RAF are to be trained to fight fires in the event of a national strike, which could go-ahead in October.

Pay rises in the service are linked to a formula agreed after the only national strike by firefighters, in 1977, but the union now wants that system replaced.

Protest march

During the 1977 strike, army 'Green Goddesses' were used to answer emergency calls for nine weeks.

Thousands of firefighters, emergency control operators and their families are expected to attend a march in Swansea on Saturday to highlight their claims.

The march begins from county hall at 1200 BST and will end in Singleton Park.

Police are warning of major traffic disruption along Mumbles road.