Sinn Féin’s Pádraig Mac Lochlainn and Pearse Doherty, have hit out at the government, saying that once again, it has let down the Retained Fire Service and its members.
The Donegal TDs were speaking following the announcement that SIPTU, who have been representing the Retained Firefighters in their dispute with the government at the Labour Court which they had hoped would lead to a resolution, are to recommend that retained firefighters reject proposals brought forward by the Labour Court.
Deputy Mac Lochlainn said: “The government insists on ignoring calls by Sinn Féin for Minister Darragh O’Brien, and Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe to step up to the plate and end this dispute by authorising an appropriate offer that is genuinely designed to address the urgent pay issues.
“It is extremely disappointing that this government continues to lack the political will to grasp the opportunity to address the key issues at the core of the recruitment and retention crisis in the Retained Fire Service.
“SIPTU have begun the process of balloting members in relation to industrial action.
“Given the fact that SIPTU has recommended that members of the Retained Fire Service reject the proposals, and likewise, individual firefighters have expressed disappointment at the government’s failure to address the issues they have taken forward, a recommencement of strike action is almost certain.”
Deputy Doherty added: “If the government continues to fail to act, it will be responsible for bringing about the likely re-commencement of industrial action by firefighters who had previously voted in overwhelming numbers in favour of industrial and strike action but who had suspended strike action pending the conclusion of the Labour Court hearing.
“Minister O’Brien must secure an agreement with the Department of Public Expenditure to ensure that retained firefighters in Donegal receive a fair deal from this government. A deal that is long overdue.
“Retained Firefighters in Donegal deserve more than ‘respect’ from this government – they need to be paid properly.”
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