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Gavin James

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Strike Action By Retained Firefighters Suspended

Thursday, 17 August 2023 11:50

It follows discussions which lasted into the early hours of this morning.

Strike action is being suspended by Retained Firefighters as a result of talks at the Workplace Relations Commission.

Members of trade union SIPTU will now consider a proposal put forward by the WRC.

It follows discussions which lasted into the early hours of this morning.

The dispute centres on pay and issues related to the recruitment and retention of on-call firefighters.

Fire services from Kilbeggan and Ferbane had to respond to a fire in Athlone this morning as Athlone Station was closed due to the industrial action, which ended at noon. 

Independent TD for Laois Offaly Carol Nolan is welcoming the news that the States almost 2,000 retained firefighters will be asked to suspend their prolonged strike action following a significant breakthrough in negotiations between the Local Government Management Association and Siptu at the Workplace Relations Commission.

SIPTU has confirmed that there had been a breakthrough in elements of the talks around increased guaranteed pay for new entrants which could see a new entrant guaranteed to earn approximately €18,500 in their first year.

Deputy Nolan believes this will also ensure that longer serving members at other grades will also receive increased remuneration: “Following months of almost unprecedented action by our brave firefighters there is finally light at the end of the tunnel. I am conscious however that this is far from the end of the process and that the deal has to be sanctioned by members. That is absolutely key. We cannot have a situation where the gains achieved today develop into a take it or leave it type scenario.”

 

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