Suspension of retained firefighters dispute is welcomed in Offaly
Late night talks (Wednesday, August 16) at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) have resulted in an offer of improved terms for Retained Firefighters in a bid to resolve the current strike. As a result, SIPTU has decided to suspend strike action while these terms are considered and voted upon.
SIPTU Public Administration and Community Divisional Organiser, Karan O Loughlin, said:'' It was a long and difficult day yesterday with discussions continuing into the early hours of this morning. Eventually, enough progress was made to develop a document that could be put to members for consideration. The wording of the document will be finalised by the WRC shortly, but the heads of agreement tackle the core issue of pay security for firefighters.
"On foot of a request from the WRC, and to allow members time to consider the document, the union has agreed that the industrial action and strike action will be suspended pending consultation and voting on the proposals.
"As well as dealing with core pay, the overall proposals provided more value for fire fighters and made adjustments for new recruits to assist with the recruitment problem. Under the terms, new recruits would now enter the service with guaranteed minimum earnings of over €18,000 and would move to the increments faster than is currently the case. In addition, the guaranteed earnings for fire fighters with more than 8 years of service would be over €21,500.
"If the deal is agreed, station officers will have secured minimum earnings of between €27,400 and €31,730. Other relevant conditions in respect to the filling of promotional positions and the hiring of 400 new recruits remain intact, as does the reduction of a requirement to be available from 48 weeks to 24 weeks with an option to be available more frequently on a voluntary basis.
Independent TD for Laois Offaly Carol Nolan has commended SIPTU who she said ''tirelessly advocated and persevered to get the firefighters where we are today, including their families and the public who were 100% behind them.”
“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.”
“If our firefighters in Offaly and Laois accept this offer as a first step then I will support them all the way. If they do not, then I will support them in that also.”
“We must ensure that our retained firefighters get back to doing what they love and what they entered the service for; serving and protecting the community,” concluded Deputy Nolan.