ROSCOMMON FIRE SERVICE has given notice to the Council that it is to go on a 24-hour strike on 3 February.

The action relates to a brigade order sent out late last year which would require five officers instead of the usual six to attend the scene of a fire.

Siptu organiser Anthony McCormack said this approach would put the lives of firefighters at risk. He said while the union members do not take the strike action lightly, he said it is a necessary evil to protect the safety of workers.

If a solution is not reached, two more strike dates are scheduled for 9 and 10 February. McCormack said that the firefighters were prepared to go on all-out strike if there was no movement.

“The brigade order was issued back in 2016 by the chief fire officer in Roscommon and it was to do with the reduction of crewing levels for first turnouts. They want five instead of six officers to go to a callout. There’s obviously a health and safety risk that goes with this. We balloted for industrial and strike action. The safety of firefighters is our top priority,” McCormack added.

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