Strike action by firefighters suspended

SEVERAL weeks of strike action by retained firefighters in Mayo appear to be at an end after industrial action was suspended this afternoon.

This follows 12 hours of talks between union SIPTU and the Local Government Management Agency, where various terms and conditions were agreed.

Half of Mayo’s 12 fire stations had been closed at any given time as part of the recent escalations. This frequently resulted in crew from various stations calling to life-threatening situations outside of their area.

On Saturday, all communications in stations were suspended except for life-saving information.

Under the proposed deal, new recruits into the retained fire service will earn a minimum of €18,000, as well as guaranteed earning of €21,500 after eight years of service.

A document will now be drawn up by the Workplace Relations Commission, which will then be presented to SIPTU members.

Retained firefighters currently earn a €8,500 retainer plus additional income for each call and must be within 2 kilometres of their station at all times – except when on annual leave.

SIPTU Public Administration and Community Division Organiser, Karan O’Loughlin, said the move marked ‘a good first step in our campaign to rebuild the Retained Fire Service’

“If the deal is agreed, station officers will have secure minimum earnings of between €27,400 and €31,730. Other relevant conditions in respect to the filling of promotional positions and the hiring of 400 new recruits remain intact, as does the reduction of a requirement to be available from 48 weeks to 24 weeks with an option to be available more frequently on a voluntary basis,” Ms O’Loughlin said.

Mayo TD Alan Dillon has welcomed the new deal for retained firefighters.

“Having had the opportunity of meeting with some of these firefighters alongside the Taoiseach in Castlebar and Glencorrib, I gained an insight into the gravity of the situations faced by our local service. The commitment and sacrifice exhibited by these individuals, who put their lives on the line for our safety, are truly commendable,” stated the Fine Gael TD.