There was unanimous backing for action at a meeting attended by 1,000 firefighters and control room staff in Glasgow.

The members of Strathclyde Fire Brigade rejected a 4% pay offer and put their weight behind union moves to hold a UK-wide strike ballot.

We don't need an inquiry to know that we are underpaid and undervalued

Ken Ross Union chairman

Local union chairman Ken Ross said members in Strathclyde were "outraged" at the "insulting" pay offer.

"Strathclyde members do not wish to see Green Goddesses on the streets instead of fire engines, but we are determined to take strike action if we have to in order to attain a fair and just wage."

The UK Government is planning an independent review of firefighters' pay in an attempt to avert strike action.

However, Mr Ross said: "We don't need an inquiry to know that we are underpaid and undervalued."

Scottish pay campaign coordinator Jock Munro added: "Despite massive public support, our employers and the government are treating us with contempt and national strike action now looks inevitable."

Special conference

Talks between unions and employers broke down on Monday.

A final decision on whether to go ahead with a strike will be taken at a specially convened conference of the Fire Brigades Union in Manchester next week.

Firefighters have been offered a 4% pay rise and the chance of an independent inquiry to examine wages and conditions in the service.

Firefighters want a 40% increase

The union has demanded a 40% increase to take a qualified firefighter's salary from £21,500 to £30,000.

The FBU is seeking a similar rise for control room staff.

The pay is linked to a national formula that resulted from the last UK-wide firefighters strike in 1977, the last time Army Green Goddesses were seen on the streets.

Unions argue that a new pay structure should be brought in to reflect the fact that firefighters are now skilled professionals.