Retained Firefighters are to resume their industrial action from today.
SIPTU says that pickets will be placed on Fire Stations operated by Retained Fire Fighters including all 12 in county Tipperary and that as of yesterday no contingency measures have been agreed with the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management – this conflicts with statements from Tipperary County Council.
The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) is a section in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage who co-ordinate emergency responses.
SIPTU says the industrial action will be for an indefinite time and that there are no ongoing talks to avert the resumption of industrial action.
Cost factors may explain the low offer from the employer side to date according to SIPTU but the union says the cost is higher now due to years of underinvestment in the service.
SIPTU is expressing disappointment with the engagement on contingency planning from the employer side but states that the Retained Firefighter are willing to provide cover for life threatening situations.
Minister Darragh O’Brien is asking the Firefighters to accept the Labour Court Proposals on the basis that further pay increases may be delivered in the next Public Sector pay deal to enhance their overall remuneration package.
The public are advised to continue to call 999 or 112 in the event of any emergency.
