Lawless commends firefighters following deal for retained fire service

AONTÚ Mayo representative Paul Lawless has welcomed news that retained firefighters have accepted a WRC proposal that will mean improved pay for workers who put their lives at risk for the safety of their communities, praising the determination and bravery of firefighters who only ever wanted a fair deal.

Said Mr. Lawless: “Aontú reps from across the country stood by our retained firefighters in their demands for fair pay and conditions since this dispute began, and we are delighted that a deal has been accepted by SIPTU, proposed by the WRC.

“It will mean new recruits will enter the service with guaranteed minimum earnings of just over €18,000 and guaranteed earnings for firefighters with more than eight years of service will be over €21,000. This is only fair given the risks these firefighters are taking in serving their communities.

“Government ministers had earned 22 times the salary of someone who had such a dangerous role and served their communities with bravery and now at least there will be a fair deal for these outstanding public sector heroes.

“The government had even sought during this dispute to remove social welfare from those engaged in lawful industrial action, such has been their abhorrent attitudes to those who give so much.”

He added: “I hope that the victory by retained firefighters will send a message to ministers that fair pay and conditions for essential workers is their basic duty.

“The government should engage meaningfully with Section 39 workers and other disputing workers who deliver hugely to their communities.”