The Labour Court has written to SIPTU representatives inviting them to exploratory discussions in relation to the retained fire service dispute at Landsdowne House, Dublin 2, on Monday (19th June) at 10.00 a.m. The Labour Court has separately written to the Local Government Management Association (LGMA), as the employer in the dispute, requesting its attendance at the talks. SIPTU Public Administration and Community Division Organiser, Karan O Loughlin, said: “The SIPTU National Committee for Retained Firefighters, today (Friday, 16th June) unanimously agreed to suspend all industrial action and strike action for a period of 24 hours commencing at 12.01 am on Monday in order to facilitate the explanatory discussions at the Labour Court. She added: “While our members appreciate the intervention of the Court in this matter, the resolution to this dispute will be complex and difficult. However, the SIPTU negotiating committee have agreed to attend and will make every effort to create the space for a resolution to this dispute.” SIPTU Sector Organiser Brendan O’Brien, said: “The SIPTU negotiating committee will do their utmost on Monday but it is imperative that the employers attend this meeting with a willingness to engage in a manner that they have not done to date. There must be a willingness to acknowledge that there needs to be resources put into the Retained Fire Service in order to commence its rebuilding. There must also be proper remuneration of firefighters to reflect the responsibilities of their job.”
Labour Court intervenes in fire service dispute prior to closure of all stations on Tuesday
