The strike, due to begin December 16, would have been the third national strike staged by the 55,000 firefighters during the current fight. Organized in November, both previous actions sparked a fury of statements by government and business figures in opposition to the union. Roughly 19,000 members of the armed forces were mobilized to operate firetrucks during the November 13 and 22 stoppages, which lasted two days and eight days respectively.

On December 7 thousands of firefighters mobilized in London in a march and rally to build support for their struggle.

The unionists are fighting for a wage raise to defend their living standards, and at the same time resisting proposals by the government and their employers in the Local Government Association (LGA) to slash jobs and services.

In calling off the strike, FBU general secretary Andy Gilchrist said that the union is "determined to achieve a serious and significant increase in pay for our members and we hope to do this through negotiation. However, should progress halt or fail," he added, "or if the government or our employers are no longer seriously negotiating on our claim, the executive will not hesitate to instruct members to take further strike action." At present more national stoppages are scheduled for January 28 and February 1.

LGA officials and Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott welcomed the FBU’s decision to suspend the strike, which was due to end on Christmas Eve. The government has indicated its determination to face down the firefighters. A spokesman for Prescott said, "The government’s position remains clear: any settlement must be within the framework set out by the deputy prime minister."  
 
 
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