Retained firefighters threaten to escalate action over station closures

An official Siptu picket at the Cork City Fire Brigade Station last month. The union said the 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". Picture: Larry Cummins

Approximately 2,000 Siptu members who work as retained firefighters may escalate current industrial action the closure of 50% of fire stations in every county. 

The trade union said the 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".