Fórsa has criticised Government for lengthy delays to the payment of the special additional financial recognition for firefighters who worked during the pandemic.
In January, a tax-free payment of €1,000 was finally announced for eligible frontline workers in recognition of their efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic, but there are still huge numbers of people who have not been awarded the payment.
Fórsa has worked tirelessly to ensure that the payment will go to all workers who worked in locations deemed to be high-risk, not just clinical staff.
Official Maura Cahalan described the ongoing delay in paying frontline workers a Covid-19 Pandemic Bonus Payment as "unfair and utterly ludicrous".
“It has been a battle to ensure all relevant workers receive the payment. Ten months have now passed and we’re still waiting,” she said.
Maura explained that while local management supports the issuing of this payment, the delay sits with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Housing.
“Firefighters were on the front line risking their lives throughout the pandemic, and now find themselves fighting for what is due to them. We know management support our members on this and it’s inexcusable that the Department is dragging its heels.” she continued.
Fórsa has now escalated the matter to the oversight body who will discuss it when they meet on the 20th October.
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