STRIKE action by retained firefighters in Limerick and across the country has been suspended for today (Monday) to allow for talks at the Labour Court.
Unlike full-time firefighters, who are paid a wage and accrue benefits such as holiday pay, retained firefighters are paid a retainer of some €8,500 annually to be on call. They are additionally paid per call out.
The payments have not been increased in a number of years and the service says it is now becoming increasingly difficult to recruit and train people.
Firefighters across the county were due to close station tomorrow (Tuesday), however the Labour Court has intervened and invited both sides to take part in exploratory discussions.
The SIPTU negotiating committee says it must be acknowledged that there needs to be resources put into the Retained Fire Service to start its rebuilding and there must also be proper remuneration of firefighters, to reflect the responsibilities of their job.
