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Wed 11 Nov 2002Firemen told extra pay would lead to job lossesBRITAIN: The Blair government has taken the gloves off in its battle with the Fire Brigade Union (FBU), warning striking firemen that extra pay will mean "modernisation" and possibly thousands of job losses.The warning came from the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr John Prescott, who told MPs the fact that some 20 per cent of firefighters were set to retire within three years provided an "ample opportunity" to create a fire service fit for the 21st century.