Firefighters say they had ‘no choice’ as they prepare to stage their biggest wage protest in years.
Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) will lead their pay rise campaign in Holyrood this week.
The union has urged its members to reject the latest 5% wage offer, with an advisory ballot open from October 31 to November 14.
Another strike vote could follow if the wage offer is rejected.
Scottish FBU Secretary John McKenzie said firefighters were risking their lives while facing thousands of pounds in real terms in pay cuts.
The union previously explained how firefighters were being forced to visit food banks amid the cost of living crisis.
Along with the campaign for fair pay, firefighters will also respond to their calls to end cuts to service and to increase the number of MSPs.
McKenzie said: “Firefighters are risking their lives to keep communities and people across Scotland safe.
“Every day, our members respond to emergencies across the country. We are at the forefront of the climate emergency, facing an increasing number of wildfires, floods and major incidents.
“Strikes are always a last resort, but our employers are giving us more and more choice.
“After a decade of cuts, firefighters and control room staff in Scotland have seen their pay slashed by more than £4,000 in real terms.
“This cannot last. Inflation is at 12% and household food, energy and other bills are skyrocketing.
“The UK and Scottish governments must fund a fair pay rise for members who keep communities and businesses safe every day of the year.
“FBU members must be given a serious salary offer that addresses the cost of living crisis.”
A Scottish government spokesperson said: “Firefighter pay is negotiated through UK-wide collective agreements, which include SFRS as the employer. The Scottish Government is not part of these arrangements.
“The Scottish Government has continued its commitment to supporting the delivery and modernization of SFRS services with a further increase of £9.5m for 2022-23, bringing the budget to £352.7m.”