Local Fianna Fáil TD, Deputy Niamh Smyth, has welcomed the decision of SIPTU Retained Firefighter members to accept the terms of the Workplace Relations Commission.
The WRC agreement proposals were built on the foundation of a previous Labour Court recommendation that provides for a minimum of 12 retained firefighters per station, with 6 available to respond . Also included is an increase in staff numbers of 20% which equates to 400 new retained firefighters across the country.
Deputy Smyth also said structured time off would enable a retained firefighter to be away from their station fire-ground area for up to 24 weeks a year was a very important move in terms of retention and recruitment.
With the acceptance of the WRC proposals, new Retained firefighter recruits will now enter service with guaranteed fixed minimum earnings of over €18,000 and will reach the top of the scale after 8 years.
The local deputy welcomed the decision of the Retained Fire Fighters to accept the recommendations of the Workplace Relations Commission and she also wanted to thank the WRC for their efforts in bringing about a resolution to this dispute.
