Cork city firefighters reject proposal in dispute over staffing numbers

It is understood that among their concerns was the taking of two crew members from Anglesea St HQ to bring the Ballincollig fire station crew numbers to six

The proposal, which was recommended for acceptance by Siptu trade union officials, was unanimously rejected by the city's 140-strong fire fighting brigade, in a ballot with a turnout of around 70%. File picture: Larry Cummins

Firefighters in Cork city have unanimously rejected a proposal designed to end a nine-week-old industrial relations dispute over staffing numbers, which would have also secured the day-time only re-opening of a large town’s fire station.

The proposal, which followed two days of talks facilitated by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), outlined how Cork City Council planned to base and crew a ‘fourth pump’ at Ballincollig fire station from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, with night-time fire cover provided from Anglesea St headquarters.