Labour demand improved conditions for retained firefighters in Westmeath
Cllr Johnnie Penrose of Labour has called for an improved to terms, conditions and working arrangements for firefighters in Westmeath.
Retained firefighters in Westmeath are on call 24 hours a day for a minimum of 48 hours for 48 weeks of the year.
Cllr Penrose said their commitment has to be recognised: “Our retained firefighters are the backbone of the community in Westmeath. Next Tuesday, retained firefighters will begin a campaign of industrial action seeking improved working conditions. There are just over 2,000 retained firefighters in Ireland and they form a core pillar of our fire service.”
The Ballynacargy councillor said the government had been aware of firefighters’ concerns for some time but the dispute remains unresolved.
“Retained firefighters are stalwarts of communities like Mullingar, Kilbeggan, Athlone, Moate and Castlepollard and provide an essential service at much less cost than a full-time service.
-“To be a retained firefighter you have to live within 2.5km of the fire station, commitment that is hugely limiting. They cannot take up employment outside that zone, which limits their earnings and career potential.”
The councillor said SIPTU, their union, point out that the dispute is a result of the failure of management to adequately address a worsening recruitment and retention crisis.
SIPTU have said that from Tuesday members will only respond to emergency calls and there will be non-cooperation with training, drills and radio calls.
Cllr Penrose continued: “From June 13, a series of rolling work stoppages will begin, and then there will be an all-out strike on Tuesday 20 June. Labour are urging government to come to the table for these workers.
“The minister brought the most recent report on the review of Retained Firefighters to cabinet in February – that makes 13 recommendations, yet workers’ concerns are still not being addressed.
“Everyone in Westmeath would agree that the current situation for retained firefighters is no longer sustainable. They are limited in their employment opportunities, struggling to get mortgages and loans and they are not immune from the cost of living crisis.
“The role is becoming less attractive. The average income is around €13,000 a year. It is in the interest of all of us to have their workloads and conditions examined. Government have to come to the table for firefighters in Westmeath.”