MEN could strike over plans to cut their pensions.

The Fire Brigades Union's ruling national executive plans a special meeting on February 16 and is recommending a ballot for industrial action. The union is demanding to know why fire crews are being offered a worse deal than the other 999 services. Police and ambulance have all secured protection for those in their pension schemes.

Union General Secretary Matt Wrack said: "Fire crews feel they have been kicked in the teeth."