ALTHOUGH I have a son who is a fireman, I don't think they should be on strike -- they shouldn't have been obliged to take strike action over poor pay.

I am, however, fed up of reading comment by politicians and sections of the media to the effect that firemen receive £21,000 a year for a four-day week, and that over 30 people apply to fill each vacancy.

A less slanted way to look at present conditions would be to say that a fireman's eight-day shift cycle of 18 day hours and 30 night hours equates to a seven-day week of 42 hours with no premium for hours above the industry standard week of 37 hours, nor for bank holidays.

If a reasonable allowance is made for the premium hours, of time plus one third, a fireman is paid £18,000 for the standard 37-hour week for a demanding, dangerous job.

Looking at current Bolton MBC job adverts. I wonder how many applications will be received to fill a vacancy for a "Fairness Officer" at £23,889 to £26,493pa. And whether the successful applicant will need to put up with local youths throwing fireworks and other missiles while he works?

A Dargan

Astley Road

Bolton