Planned industrial action by SIPTU members in Dublin Fire Brigade, which was due to begin today, has been deferred to allow for talks.
The dispute relates to safety concerns over the introduction of a new call-out and dispatch system.
SIPTU had accused the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage of attempting to impose the new Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system without consultation.
The industrial action, which was due to begin today, would have initially taken the form of non-cooperation with the new system but members have been balloted for industrial action up to and including strike action.
The action has been deferred to allow for talks to take at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) on Friday.
According to SIPTU, members are concerned that the new call-out system will undermine the effectiveness of emergency services in the Dublin area because it will only cover fire and rescue calls, not ambulance services.
Dublin Fire Brigade also provides ambulance and paramedic services.
A spokesperson for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage said the national platform for 999 call taking and mobilising is designed to maximise public safety, underpinned by a resilient architecture.
“The system design enables any fire service 999 call to be mobilised from any of the three Regional Communication Centres,” the spokesperson said.
