IMPACT members at Dublin Fire Brigade have withdrawn their industrial action, following proposals to address the staffing complement following discussions facilitated by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).

DFB members had balloted in favour of industrial action over what they described 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 Siptu members have also withdrawn their industrial action.

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. A copy of the proposals is available here.