AN EVENT organised to thank fire service staff covering during the strike was last night described as "antagonistic".
But the fire service insists an invitation to all its staff to Aintree Racecourse's conference rooms on Friday is not a celebration or a reward.
Outside negotiators have finally been drafted in to manage talks between the Fire Brigade Union (FBU) and the fire service, a day after calls to bring in mediators were hotly rebuffed.
Yesterday, union leaders said eight more days of strike action will almost certainly go ahead next Tuesday as further talks have only been scheduled for the eve of the walkout.
All staff and fire authority members were yesterday sent an invitation by the service, which is locked in dispute with its firefighters over its proposals to save £3.5m.
Offered transport to and from Aintree, guests were told the event would be a way of debriefing and thanking all those who have worked during industrial action and "formally acknowledging the way in which they have made community safety their priority".
Leader of the Liverpool Labour Party Cllr Joe Anderson said he was amazed at the move to hold the event, which will be followed by a press conference.
He said: "It is just antagonistic. It is promoting the feeling of 'us against them'.''
Secretary of the Merseyside FBU branch Les Skarratts said last night: "We can't believe this is happening. When do the firefighters who usually work every day ever get thanked. They haven't got time to meet for more talks before the additional strike action next week, but they have time for this."
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