New Prescott compromise: Firemen can strike in their own time
22 Apr 2003 by Paul Island
The Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, today announced that he is near to agreement with himself over the future of the firemen's strike.
The ongoing firemen's dispute has been a constant thorn in the government's side. Tying up thousands of troops for emergency cover, it limited Britain's contribution in the Iraq war to a paltry 40,000 troops, which in turn severely limited the American friendly-fire campaign.
Meanwhile Mr Prescott has himself been under fire from both wings of the Labour Party. The conservative wing of Labour wants him to bring the renegade firemen under control and outlaw strikes by vital service workers for once and for all. On the other hand, the small but vocal Labour wing of the Labour Party condemns him for daring to give consideration to an argument that would deny trade unionists their fundamental right to whinge and light bonfires.
Earlier today Mr Prescott revealed his compromise solution, which he believes will satisfy all parties. In a press conference this morning, Mr Prescott announced, "Vital service strikes in future will be outlawed…but only during working hours. Emergency service workers will be free to withdraw their labour during their own time." He went on to state that, "Being as the firemen spend most of their time at work sleeping anyway, it will be particularly beneficial to them as now striking will no longer mess up their sleep patterns."
Unsurprisingly, FBU leader Andy Gilchrist seemed negative when asked to comment on the news. "I think it's a bloody ridiculous idea, striking in their free time," he ranted. "How can they strike then? They'll all be doing their second jobs!"
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