It is being reported that over 40 Roscommon Fire Service Fire Fighters are to go on strike next month with a 24-hour ‘all-out strike’ pencilled in for Friday February 3rd.
Shannonside FM say that a decision was taken at a local SIPTU meeting last night. It was also decided that if the dispute remains unresolved, two similar periods of industrial action would take place on February 9th and 10th, while an indefinite strike would begin on February 16th. Staff voted overwhelmingly in favour of a work-to-rule recently.
The decision to go on strike follows an attempt by the the Roscommon Fire Service to implement changes to work practices as part of “Keeping Communities Safe” – the state’s blueprint for the future of Fire Services nationwide. SIPTU claims the proposed changes would see crew levels reduced.
There has been no official statement on the matter from the local SIPTU organiser or from Roscommon County Council Chief Fire Officer John Keane.
In related news, Castlerea Fire Station has had to temporarily close due to a sudden shortage of available staff. In the event of an emergency Fire Services from Ballaghaderreen, Ballyhaunis, Elphin or Roscommon town will be dispatched to cover the area.