Retained firefighters, who are members of SIPTU, have voted to accept Labour Court recommendations aimed at resolving their long-running pay dispute.
In a ballot of members, 64% voted in favour of the proposals with 36% voting against.
Among the recommendations are changes to the introduction dates of increased retainer payments in order to achieve a higher level of value from the current public sector pay agreement.
“This brings a key stage in this dispute to a conclusion,” said SIPTU Public Administration and Community Division Organiser, Brendan O’Brien.
“SIPTU representatives will notify the management side on our members acceptance of the terms of the Labour Court recommendation and seek clarity on when payment will begin at the new increased rate,” Mr O’Brien said.
The dispute was referred to the Labour Court after firefighters voted to reject proposals from the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) aimed at resolving the row.
Retained firefighters are part-time members who are paid an annual retainer for being on-call.
Under this deal, they have secured the earlier introduction of increased retainer payments and restructured working hours.
SIPTU said its retained firefighter national committee will meet shortly to consider the outcome of the ballot.
The union added that there remains issues around recruitment and retention in the service that it will continue to focus on until they are fully resolved.
In June 2023, around 2,000 retained firefighters began a campaign of industrial action demanding better pay and conditions, with pickets placed across 200 retained fire stations.
In August 2023, the action was suspended after an agreement was reached at the WRC, which proposed increased retainer payments and restructured working hours.
