Retained fire fighters vote to accept WRC proposals

SIPTU retained firefighter members have accepted the Workplace Relations Commission proposals aimed at resolving their industrial relations dispute.

63%  of SIPTU members voted in favour of the deal.

Discussions at the WRC were led, on behalf of the local authorities, by the LGMA and supported by representatives of the Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) and officials from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in a supporting advisory role.

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 6 available to respond,
• an increase in staff numbers of circa 20% (approx. 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 8 years.

SIPTU Divisional Organiser Karan O Loughlin said:

“This has been a protracted battle to bring the poor terms and conditions for retained fire fighters into the public domain and to begin the process of rebuilding the Retained Fire Service.

“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.”