Local Fianna Fáil Deputy, Robert Troy, has welcomed the decision of SIPTU Retained Firefighter members to accept the terms of the Workplace Relations Commission proposals aimed at resolving their industrial relations dispute.
“I welcome the decision of the Retained Fire Fighters to accept the recommendations of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC ). I want to thank them and their representatives for their constructive engagement with Minister Darragh O’Brien and the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA ). I also want to thank the WRC for their efforts in bringing about a resolution to this dispute.
“I engaged with the Retained Firefighters throughout this process and fed their concerns to Minister Darragh O’Brien throughout, so I am delighted with this very welcome outcome,” Deputy Troy stated.
The WRC agreement proposals were built on the foundation of a previous Labour Court recommendation that provides for a minimum of 12 retained firefighters per station with six available to respond, an increase in staff numbers of circa 20% (approximately 400 new retained firefighters ) to provide that minimum of 12 firefighters in all fire stations; 50 additional promotional positions created; structured time off, that would enable a retained firefighter to be away from their station fire-ground area for up to 24 weeks a year individual flexibility with regard to availability; flexibility to attend calls when scheduled on leave, if desired.
With the acceptance of the WRC proposals, new Retained firefighter recruits will now enter service with guaranteed fixed minimum earnings of over €18,000 and will reach the top of the scale after eight years.
“I have always acknowledged the challenges associated with both the recruitment and retention of retained fire personnel and I have always advocated for a better approach. Our firefighters are a crucial frontline service staffed by very dedicated and selfless people, serving their communities around the clock. I will continue to support them in the work they do,” Deputy Troy concluded.
