Laois firefighters trial new roster to improve 'work life balance'

A new work roster is being trialled by Laois firefighters that gives them a better work life balance.

Laois County Fire & Rescue Service is manned largely by retained fire fighters but the requirement to always be in close call for emergencies has caused staff shortages, with less people interested in taking on the vital role.

Portlaoise station is undergoing a new trialled on/off roster for three months, Laois County Council has revealed.

If it goes down well with staff, it will be rolled out across the county.

John Mulholland gave detail at the January meeting.

"I thank the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage who launched a review that concludes that the work life balance option needs to be addressed to make it an attractive employment option.

"Laois County Council has piloted a new roster in Portlaoise to enhance this. We have already taken steps with the fire office to put it in place. It has been a success so far and officers are largely happy. Our intention is to roll it out over the next six months. Regarding the travel distance, we have taken a view on that as well. 

"The council has no discretion over payscale, that is a subject of engagement for the union and the workplace commission," the Laois CEO said.

Despite some 10 staff vacancies accross the county's eight fire stations, The council said that "the emergency response service levels for local communities are observed and retained".

"Most are at the point of being filled or will be advertised over the coming weeks. As a community service here, the local community can continue to have confidence in the service," Director of Services Simon Walton said.

Cllr Willie Aird who in recent times demanded that firefighters be rostered for time off, offered congratulations for launching the pilot roster scheme.

"As a result the recruitment will be enhanced. There is an opportunity now if there is a rota system to have a quality of life," he said.

Last month, Laois firefighters who are part of the SIPTU union were among the 90% nationwide to vote for industrial action including possible strikes, if changes were not made.

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SIPTU's Sector Organiser, Brendan O’Brien described the pressure on them.

"They are required to provide 24/7 emergency response and restrict their movement, at all times while on call, to within typically five minutes travel time of their fire station. Many firefighters are unable to take their leave entitlements due to staff shortages and they have also seen their incomes drastically reduced due to reductions in call outs over the last number of years and other restrictions imposed by the Fire Service.”  

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“Many of our members are now unable to do basic things such as obtain mortgage approval because of the precarious nature of their income. The Retained Fire Service is now at a critical stage with many firefighters seeking to leave the service and Local Authorities are struggling to recruit and retain new staff,” said Mr O’Brien. 

In Laois SIPTU has 62 retained firefighters across stations in Portlaoise, Portarlington,  Mountmellick, Rathdowney, Abbeyleix, Durrow, Mountrath and Stradbally.