Fire service strike action threatened

MEMBERS of the Irish Defence Forces will be engaged by Clare County Council if required, in the event of industrial action by firefighters, it has emerged.

Clare firefighters look set to engage in some form industrial action during the festive season unless Clare County Council resolve a dispute over the introduction of a new post of responsibility.
Firefighters have secured official approval from SIPTU to proceed with a ballot for industrial action if the local authority proceed with the proposed introduction of a second sub-station officer’s post to replace the long-standing driver-mechanic position in its seven fire stations.
The council has already advertised for a second sub-station officer’s post in Ennis Fire Station but it is understood none of the existing firemen are expected to apply for the position before the December 22 closing date.
A SIPTU spokesman claimed the introduction of this new post is a breach of the Croke Park Agreement, which included a Government commitment to leave all existing staff grades and categories untouched.
The spokesman pointed out there is widespread opposition to the replacement of this post, which has been in existence since the inception of the fire service.
“If this new post is introduced, it will be a case of having too many chiefs and not enough Indians. Who will carry out the checks on fire appliances because firemen will not be paid to do this work? In a station like Kilkee where there are seven or eight firemen, they will be down one fireman for duty if this is brought in.”
Every fire station has a station officer and sub-station officer, who deputises when the station officer is on leave or away from work. The existing driver/mechanic is qualified to carry out safety checks on all fire engines and equipment. Any faults are reported to the head mechanic, who is responsible for the repair work.
A council spokesman said the authority has not been served with any notice of industrial action.
“The council does have contingency plans in place and will engage the services of the army if required,” he added.