SIPTU members will ballot for industrial action if there is a failure to take immediate steps to resolve critical safety concerns relating to the operation of the software system of the Munster Regional Control Centre (MRCC) which controls fire service responses in the south of the country. In a letter today (Friday, 20th May) to the Limerick City and County Council Chief Executive, who has ultimate responsibility for the operation of the MRCC, SIPTU Organiser, Con Casey, called for urgent action to rectify serious problems which have been highlighted by SIPTU members. Casey said: “Our members have for several months been highlighting serious problems with the roll-out and operation of the new CTRi software system in the MRCC. This has resulted in a number of serious incidents which have significantly affected the proper operation of the MRCC and as a result fire services within the Munster region. “Despite commitments from the management of Limerick City and County Council to resolve these issues our members have yet to see any appropriate action.” He added: “SIPTU members in the MRCC have given a two week deadline for appropriate measures to be put in place to resolve these issues or they will immediately move to ballot for industrial action, up to and including strike action.” SIPTU Organiser, Suzanna Griffin, said: “Our members have been highlighting issues with this system since it came into operation in October 2021. These issues include problems with mapping, dropped calls and integration with the fire service communication system. “We met with Limerick City and County Council senior management on Friday 6th May, concerning these issues. At that meeting there was a commitment that management would revert to our members concerning what actions would be taken to resolve these issues within a week. Unfortunately, we are yet to receive a response.” She added: “This has left our members with no option other than to move towards a ballot for industrial action in order to ensure that steps are taken to ensure the effective operation of fire services in the Munster region and public safety.”
SIPTU calls for action in relation to health and safety concerns in Munster fire
