Firefighters vote to end strike action
Following intensive consultation and a secret ballot, SIPTU retained firefighters voted to accept proposals from the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to resolve their industrial dispute.
The WRC agreement proposals were built on the foundation of a previous Labour Court recommendation. They include the provision of a minimum of 12 retained firefighters per station, with six available to respond and an increase in staff numbers of 20% (approx. 400 new retained firefighters). It also includes 50 additional promotional positions created; structured time off, that would enable a retained firefighter to be away from their station for up to 24 weeks a year and individual flexibility with regard to availability.
With the acceptance of the WRC proposals, new retained firefighter recruits will also now enter service with guaranteed fixed minimum earnings of over €18,000pa and will reach the top of the scale after eight years of service.
Karan O’Loughlin, SIPTU Divisional Organiser, said: “This has been a protracted battle to bring the poor terms and conditions for retained firefighters into the public domain and to begin the process of rebuilding the Retained Fire Service. While the vote ends the current strike, it does not end that battle.”
She also said the WRC document is the “beginning of the next stage for the retained firefighters”.
“SIPTU representatives will be writing immediately to the employers and to the Minister. We will advise of the acceptance of the document and seek to engage in discussions in respect of the retainer and the rollout of the WRC terms, especially those clauses that relate to recruitment, pay, and time off. We will be making it clear that we expect the terms of the WRC document to be delivered in full and in a timely manner. We also expect that the political commitments in respect of the next movement on the retainer will be delivered in full.”
Fianna Fáil Deputy Niamh Smyth praised those involved in settling the dispute: “I want to thank the WRC for their efforts in bringing about a resolution to this dispute. Our firefighters are an invaluable frontline service staffed by very dedicated and selfless people, serving their communities around the clock.”
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