LABOUR Court talks on the retained firefighters dispute have concluded with major divisions remaining between both sides.
On Monday SIPTU members employed in the Retained Fire Service suspended their industrial action in order to allow for the hearing concerning the dispute.
The hearing came following exploratory discussions that took place last week.
As the discussions were attended by both the SIPTU Retained Firefighter Negotiating Committee and representatives of the Local Government Management Association (LGMA), the Labour Court decided there was a basis for a full hearing concerning the on-going dispute.
Two weeks ago retained firefighters from Donegal’s 15 fire stations took to the picket line over a dispute around pay, conditions and a decent work/life balance.
Currently, retained firefighters are on call 24/7 for a minimum of 48 weeks a year and are required to live and work 2.5 kilometres from the station.
These requirements have led to problems with recruiting and retaining staff.
Since the strike began, there has been a huge outpouring of public support for the retained firefighters who say stations in Donegal are understaffed and struggling to recruit new members due to the conditions involved in the role.
Siptu public administration and community division organiser Karan O Loughlin said that there was “very little change” from the employer’s side throughout the talks.
The Labour Court will now consider both sides and will issue a recommendation in a bid to resolve the dispute next week.
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