Donegal County Councils says its priority during the ongoing industrial action by retained firefighters is to ensure public safety.
“Requests for fire brigade assistance should continue to be made as normal by dialling 999 or 112,” a spokesperson for the council said.
On Tuesday, retained firefighters in Donegal joined a nationwide campaign of industrial action.
The dispute is expected to cause significant disruption to the provision of fire services, SIPTU has warned.
Staff are campaigning for improvements in pay, conditions, and a decent work/life balance with agreed time off.
SIPTU members say the dispute is resulting from the failure of management to adequately address a worsening recruitment and retention crisis in the service. Almost 2000 Retained Fire Service members are organised in SIPTU across 200 fire stations nationally.
The industrial action will begin with non-cooperation with training, drills and radio calls through the emergency centres being replaced by the use of mobile calls to fire service management.
SIPTU has strongly criticised local authorities for failing to warn the public of the action.
“On the week commencing 13th June, 50% of the retained fire service will be on rolling work stoppages,” said Karan O Loughlin, SIPTU Divisional Organiser.
“Retained firefighters are striking to ensure that the Government’s report on the future of the service will be implemented to resolve the recruitment and retention crisis that threatens to collapse this essential and life-saving community resource.
“It is up to management of the local authorities to inform the public about the consequences of the industrial action for which they are largely responsible.”
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