BARNET'S London Assembly member has urged firefighters across the capital not to “lose money” by going on strike.

Crews across the capital are being balloted on striking, after starting a work to rule regime this morning meaning they will not take part in voluntary schemes.

The dispute is centred on planned changes to shift patterns and sacking notices sent to every firefighter in London after they refused to adopt the new system.

Councillor Brian Coleman, chairman of the fire authority, said: “From today firefighters are being asked to vote for a strike, on top of planned ‘work to rule’ action.

“I expect changes to the way the fire and rescue service is run to generate debate, but there is no need for firefighters to lose money by taking strike action that will not resolve this dispute.”

The changes would see the current 15-hour nightshift and nine-hour day shifts made the same length, which the authority says will allow more time for important training.

Fire Brigade Union secretary Matt Wrack said: “Firefighters hate taking industrial action, and what we want to do is negotiate, not strike.

“We understand that the London Fire Brigade wants to change the shift patterns our members work, and we are willing to continue the negotiations over shift patterns in good faith.

“We would be also willing to lift all industrial action as soon as they withdraw the sacking notices.”

The outcome of the ballot will be known by the middle of October.