Retained firefighters are expected to ballot to resume strike action after a ‘majorly disappointing’ Labour Court recommendation.
A dispute concerning staffing, earnings and working conditions entered talks last month. However, SIPTU says there is “not enough political will to inject the resources necessary to resolve the current impasse”.
SIPTU have begun the process of balloting members in relation to industrial action. The union recommends that retained firefighters reject proposals brought forward by the Labour Court.
“There is nothing in the recommendation to deal with the precarious nature of the firefighters’ earnings with the retainer, drill and training still the only guaranteed pay,” said SIPTU Public Administration and Community Division Organiser, Karan O Loughlin.
Sinn Féin TDs for Donegal Pádraig Mac Lochlainn and Pearse Doherty have slammed the government for once again letting down the Retained Fire Service and its members.
Teachta Mac Lochlainn said: “The government insists on ignoring calls by Sinn Féin for Minister Darragh O’Brien, and Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe to step up to the plate and end this dispute by authorising an appropriate offer that is genuinely designed to address the urgent pay issues.
“It is extremely disappointing that this government continue to lack the political will to grasp the opportunity to address the key issues at the core of the recruitment and retention crisis in the Retained Fire Service.”
Deputy Doherty added: “If the government continues to fail to act, it will be responsible for bringing about the likely re-commencement of industrial action by firefighters who had previously voted in overwhelming numbers in favour of industrial and strike action but who had suspended strike action pending the conclusion of the Labour Court hearing.
“Minister O’Brien must secure an agreement with the Department of Public Expenditure to ensure that retained firefighters in Donegal receive a fair deal from this government. A deal that is long overdue.
“Retained Firefighters in Donegal deserve more than ‘respect’ from this government – they need to be paid properly.”
