A planned strike by retained firefighters tomorrow has been cancelled following talks between SIPTU, fire station management and the Labour Court. 

Following seven hours of talks between unions and management, the Labour Court has concluded there are grounds for a formal hearing to discuss the conditions of retained firefighters. 

The hearing will take place next Monday. Industrial action will be deescalated until then. 

Members of SIPTU have been told not to engage with drills and training - but safety checks of equipment and vehicles will recommence, along with a return to use of radios for communications.

SIPTU Division Organiser Karan O’Loughlin said on-call firefighters protesting unfair pay and working conditions have been “steadfast” during the period of industrial action. 

“They are stoic in their position and very steadfast, and absolutely willing to commence the action in the morning,” she said. 

“But the strike is not an objective in itself, the strike is just a tool to focus everyone’s attention on the solution. 

“Now that attention is focused on a solution, we will come back and engage and do everything we can to ensure that they don’t have to strike.” 

Negotiations

Ms O’Loughlin said the union’s negotiating team agreed to deescalate following a promise that the Labour Court will hold a formal hearing. 

“We don’t know what’s on the table at the moment, but we do know that court is satisfied that it will be able to assist the parties involved,” she said. 

“We didn't get any indication of any specific detail, other than we were very adamant that resources would have to be released.

"Our members will not settle for anything other than an agreement which safeguards the functioning of this vital emergency service into the future.”

Members of SIPTU outside the Workplace Relations Commission following discussions with the Labour Court. Photo by Aoife Kearns for Newstalk.

SIPTU announced a campaign of industrial action by retained firefighters in May and accused the Government of failing to resolve the deepening recruitment and retention crisis in the fire emergency services.  

Union members said many retained firefighters are unable to take their leave entitlements due to staff shortages and they have also seen their incomes drastically reduced.