And now the £400 chairs, which cost a total of £130,000 to install across Greater Manchester, could be scrapped.
Talks have taken place between union officials and managers over the chairs, which were installed in all 41 stations in the county as part of a modernisation drive in 2005.
They have proved hugely unpopular with crews - and union bosses say they are not `fit for purpose'.
They replaced beds in station dormitories as part of a shake-up of night routines.
Traditionally, firefighters have slept between midnight and 7am if there are no emergency calls. But County Fire Officer Barry Dixon wants staff to do training and inspections during night hours.
Night work routines
He introduced the chairs to encourage more efficient night work routines, but still allow firefighters a place to rest during a demanding night shift.
Management are unlikely to agree to beds being re-introduced as it would be an embarrassing u-turn.
In June, three firefighters who slept on the floor instead of on the authorised chairs were severely reprimanded.
They were caught out by a 6.30am visit by a performance review team.
A union source said: "Two firefighters are in the process of making legal claims against the brigade over the use of the chairs. Both of them have back injuries. Senior management have accepted there is a problem with the chairs and have invited us to look at different ways of resting. We believe they are not fit for purpose. You can't rest properly in them."After the Calcot reclining chairs were brought in, the brigade drew up a four- page manual on how to use them.
Fire chief Mr Dixon said: "I can confirm that two insurance claims are being dealt with, but for legal reasons I can not divulge the nature of these claims.
"While I am willing to discuss rest facilities, I reiterate there is no place for beds in a modern fire and rescue service."
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"While I am willing to discuss rest facilities, I reiterate there is no place for beds in a modern fire and rescue service."
How come its ok for the rest of the world or so it seems but not this one person?
"While I am willing to discuss rest facilities, I reiterate there is no place for beds in a modern fire and rescue service."
Except for " on duty " senior management who respond from home for an extra 20% in pay, this includes the infamous performance review team. By the way who reviews the performance of the review team and management, surely not themselves.
although an adult who can fight and die for my country at 18 years of age, i am told what position my body must be in when i rest, what level of consciousness i must keep my mind in (no sleeping) and how warm i am allowed to be. i never missed a bell in over 20 years, have rescued people from all kinds of disasters. dont feel as if i'm being treated like a valued member of the workforce.