Firefighters in London have voted by more than nine to one to take industrial action in a row over new contracts.
The Fire Brigades Union said its members backed a campaign of disruption short of a strike by 4,014 to 201, a majority of 95%. Turnout was 76%.
The dispute is set to escalate after the union decided to hold another ballot of its members in London for strike action in the coming weeks.
The union now has the authority to call industrial action which could include a ban on overtime and withdrawal of good will.
General Secretary Matt Wrack said: "This overwhelming vote demonstrates the strength of feeling among London's firefighters.
"London Fire Brigade can ensure there is no industrial action by returning to negotiations and accept that shift patterns and conditions of service should be negotiated and agreed, not imposed by threatening sackings."
The union has claimed that its members will be sacked unless they sign new contracts which it says would change shift patterns and lead to worse terms and conditions.
