Firefighters’ union fails to get negotiating role

A trade union representing most of the 76 retained fire-fighters employed by Waterford County Council has lost its appeal aimed at having the courts review a Labour Court recommendation it not be recognised for negotiating purposes.

Four retained firefighters along with the Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) and its branch, the Irish Fire and Emergency Services Association (IFESA), had sought judicial review of the Labour Court’s March 2014 recommendation to the effect the council was not required to recognise the PNA for negotiating purposes.

The PNA is a registered trade union with a negotiation licence but not a member of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.