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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Rajeev Syal Home affairs editor

Northern Ireland fire chief appeals for strike cover to avoid army call-up

Firefighters in Portadown
FBU members in Northern Ireland voted 94% in favour of strikes last week. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA

A fire service chief has been accused of “desperate tactics” after pleading for firefighters in Northern Ireland to respond to high-risk calls during any strikes so that the army are not asked to cover emergencies in the region.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said the request showed that the government and managers were “clearly rattled” by a vote last week in favour of strike action.

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