IMPACT members at Dublin Fire Brigade have commenced a ballot for industrial action over what they describe as management’s ongoing failure to maintain the number of firefighters sufficient to ensure their safety.

It’s estimated that Dublin Fire Brigade is currently 70 firefighters below the full complement of 963, with upcoming retirements expected to create a deficit of 120 firefighters by June 2016. IMPACT and Siptu have said that many firefighters are working unsustainable levels of overtime because of the current staff shortage. Siptu members have served notice of industrial action on the same issue, which is due to commence on Monday 5th October.

IMPACT assistant general secretary Phil McFadden said that the union has sought a timeframe on recruitment from management that would confirm when new recruits to the fire service will have completed their training and be appointed to duty.

“An open competition to create a panel of new recruits is due to take place but management has not been able to say when this process will get underway, or when they would expect to have completed the recruitment, vetting and training process for new firefighter paramedics.

“We had established an agreement with DFB management in May this year that they would provide us with such a timeframe. However, the commitment from management has been withdrawn and this is why we’re balloting for industrial action. The issue here is safety. We are already seeing unsustainable overtime arrangements being used to shore up the deficit. Our members need to know when a full crewing complement will be in place.” he said.

The ballot closes on Thursday 1st October.