The union had called the series of work stoppages as part of a campaign to press for a pay increase, to £400 in weekly take-home pay, or £8.50 an hour ( £1=US$1.55).

The Labour Party government has mobilized 19,000 troops as a strikebreaking force to try to intimidate the firefighters. The authorities have also convened an emergency committee known as "Cobra," (Cabinet Office Room A), which has been used in recent years to mobilize state forces against blockades of fuel refineries by protesting farmers and truckers. Cobra includes representatives from the ministry of defense, office of the deputy prime minister’s office, and other ministries.

The FBU officials’ decision to suspend the strikes comes after negotiations with Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and increasing pressure on the union in the big business press. Prescott announced that he was "delighted" with the decision and would now engage the union leaders in further talks on firefighters pay and what he called "modernization."

In a letter to The Times, Jeremy Beecham, chair of the Local Government Association, which employs the firefighters, indicated that the so-called modernization plans would involve changes in shifts and overtime levels.

Employers applauded the suspension of the strike. On the other hand, the president of the bosses Fire Chiefs’ Association, Jeffrey Ord, complained that the union should have called off the actions altogether.

In recent weeks fire stations in several parts of London have been decked out with union banners and signs that urge motorists to "hoot if you support us."

Paul Davies is a meat packer in London.  
 
 
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