Longford fire stations could face closure as strike action gathers pace

That was the grim outlook confronting a sector which has been beset by industrial unrest in recent weeks over what unions and frontline personnel say are substandard working conditions.

Retained firefighters commenced a work-to-rule on Tuesday (June 6) with rolling strikes planned from June 13 and an all-out strike from June 20 if the dispute over pay and conditions is not resolved.

South Longford based fireman, Michael Farrell said the situation is so grave the potential repercussions awaiting the beleaguered service were unthinkable.

“There are five (fire) stations in Longford and the problem is anyone that is coming in can see no value in staying in the job from a financial point of view,” said Michael.

The 48-year-old was a key member of the Fire Services National Negotiating Committee when talks broke down last month and is expected to adopt a key role when round table discussions reconvene over the coming weeks.

The Ballymahon based firefighter, who also holds down a second job as a general operative with a local engineering firm, said the obstacles hampering the sector were obvious.

“The older guys that are there will probably stay but the issue is the age profile of people is going north,” he said.

“The youngest firefighter in my station is 46 and we have a couple of guys nearing retirement age and in three to four years we will lose four to five firefighters which will mean it will likely close as there just won’t be the minimum levels of cover to go to calls.”

A second, perhaps even more divisive factor has centred on the wider issue of remuneration.

Under their current working conditions, “retained” or part-time firefighters are paid an annual retainer to be available for call-outs, but their pay depends on the number of incidents they attend.

They are allowed to work part-time jobs to supplement their income, but do so knowing that their second job must be within 2.5km of their fire station.

“We can totally accept that in the current climate businesses need to make money and a lot of guys are self employed, but what self employed man can work within 2.5km of a fire station?”

Pressed into whether the current impasse facing the sector was the worst he had encountered in his 19-year-long career, Michael was unequivocal in his response: “Definitely, yeah. This is serious stuff. We know we are valued but we need to be respected.”

Those urgings come as local authorities, including Longford, have been called on to ensure the public is prepared for any disruption caused by the onset of industrial action.

Karan O Loughlin, SIPTU Divisional Organiser, said councils have been slow to react.

“The lack of preparation by the local authorities for this dispute is shocking and irresponsible,” she said.

Ms O Loughlin continued, “Our members in the retained fire service are reporting that, in most counties, management has no specific contingency plans in place and are not undertaking any public information campaigns.

“Our members have adopted an eminently reasonable position and local authorities have a responsibility to advise the public that there will be disruption to the fire services but have not done so.

“ On the week commencing June 13, 50% of the retained fire service will be on rolling work stoppages.”