Firefighters back deal

Retained firefighters in Ireland have backed a settlement which guarantees their future earnings, ending a dispute which began in June. Around 2,000 firefighters, spread across 200 fire stations, are employed part time, and, until the current deal, had no guaranteed earnings, other than a retainer and pay for drills and training.

The current deal, which was proposed by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), an industrial relations advisory body similar to Acas, provides new recruits with guaranteed minimum earnings of just over €18,000 a year, rising to more than €21,000 after eight years’ service. There is also a reduction in the number of weeks the firefighters must be available for service.

SIPTU, the union involved, suspended the dispute in August, following agreement at the WRC. Last month, SIPTU members voted by 63% to accept the deal.