Tipperary Sinn Féin TD Martin Browne says that Minister Darragh O’Brien is in a position to avert the resumption of strike action, after 82% of SIPTU retained fire fighters voted to reject the recommendations from the Labour Court.
Deputy Browne says he supports the fire fighter’s decision and that the proposed increase in the retainer fee is not sufficient to address the recruitment and retention crisis in the retained fire service.
The Cashel based TD now wants the Minister for Housing and Local Government with responsibility for the Fire Service to seek cabinet approval for a credible offer that will meet the needs of Retained Fire Service members. Deputy Browne paid tribute to the Fire Service personnel for their contribution to public safety and wellbeing 24 hours every day. Deputy Browne is calling on the Minster to act urgently before the retained fire fighters strike action resumes on July 26th.
