Retained firefighters picket Aras an Chontae Tullamore in ongoing dispute over pay

Members of SIPTU retained firefighters in Offaly picketed Aras an Chontae today in a dispute over pay and conditions.

The starting pay for a retained firefighter is €8,500 per annum. For this the firefighter is expected to be on call 24/7. He/she must live within a radius of two and half kilometres of the fire station.

Members rejected a recommendation by the Labour Court that their retainer pay be increased by 24%.

Jimmy Beatty and Michael McEvoy of Tullamore Fire Service said,''the overriding issue is probably recruitment and retention. There is very little incentive for new firefighters to join the service in its present state,'' said Mr Beatty.

''We have a historical issue in Offaly going back a number of years when three fire stations in Offaly closed and the number of stations went from 8 down to 5. Issues have been stemming since then with recruitment,'' he said.

Both Jimmy Beatty and Michael McEvoy said the retained members are looking for an increase in their remuneration and more down time to spend with their families.

SIPTU Public Administration and Community Divisional Organiser, Karan O'Loughlin, said: "Over 2,000 retained fire fighters are on strike seeking improved and more secure pay and conditions with more structured time off. The full strike has been running for a week now, with stations only responding to life-threatening incidents and 50% of stations off the run at any one time,'' she said. 

“Retained fire fighters find it emotionally and psychologically difficult to undertake this action because of their huge commitment to their communities. They realise, however, that their employers and the Government are not listening and that there is currently a lack of political will to engage meaningfully to resolve this dispute,'' said Ms O'Loughlin.

''In these circumstances, the dispute actions will have to be escalated. That is why, over the next week, the union will be undertaking a series of meetings with members in all of the stations to ensure everyone is escalation ready and that our actions can be co-ordinated and effective. The week on the picket line had hardened our members’ resolve to carry on and deliver for the service and for the public. The national committee will meet again next Wednesday August 9 to consider the consultation outcomes and actions.”

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Brendan O'Brien, said: “The longer the management and the Government continue to turn away from the retained fire service, the harder it will be to resolve this dispute. There is a window of opportunity now for engagement on a resolution before a serious level of escalation further entrenches positions. The retained fire service is a necessary and essential service in our communities and deserves the support of employers, government and the general public.''