SIPTU has warned that the safety of the public and emergency staff could be threatened by proposals presented by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management which would result in a reduction in the number of fire-fighters manning a fire appliance.
SIPTU Full-Time Fire-Fighters National Committee spokesman, Brian Murray, said: “Changes proposed by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management would ultimately lead to a reduction in the number of fire-fighters manning a fire appliance.
“Despite a long standing request from SIPTU to make available risk assessments and any other research showing what increased dangers may result from its proposals the Directorate has failed to provide this information.”
He added: “In light of this failure to provide SIPTU fire-fighters with the information they need to fully assess the risks associated with its proposals, at a meeting on Thursday (1st November), union representatives informed the Directorate that they will no longer engage with it in relation to the proposed changes.”
SIPTU Public Administration and Community Division Organiser, Gene Mealy, said: “The directorate are unwilling, or are unable, to provide union representatives with the relevant risk assessment and research documentation they require. It is unacceptable that SIPTU representatives are being asked to agree to changes to work practices which could compromise the safety of members and the public.”
SIPTU represents the majority of the country’s full-time and retained fire-fighters.