BUDGET REACTION: Young firefighters better off on dole
PUBLIC SAFETY WILL BE COMPROMISED
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YOUNG firefighters could be financially better off on the dole, following the cutbacks in public sector pay.
That's according to Swords fireman and paramedic, Garry Hayden, who said front-line workers had been hit particularly hard in the Budget.
'It's pretty harsh and we seem to have come off the worst,' Mr Hayden said. ' A couple of lads joining now, if they've got a wife and family, they would be better off on the dole, where they could avail of the free medical card and allowances.
' The wages for a trainee firefighter would be less than what they'd get on the dole. Wages have come down, but mortgages haven't and the younger, newer firefighters are suffering greatly. They are possibly better off on the dole.
'These are specialised, fully trained firefighters who are being told their money is being cut. No one had any issue with taking cuts, once it's right across the board.'
From January, fire-fighters at Swords will no longer be allowed to take overtime, as outgoing officers won't be replaced on rosters, meaning the minimum level of service will not be met. 'When we had our day of protest, management insisted we provided a minimum service,' Mr Hayden continued. 'Now they're saying there won't be a minimum service.
'They say they haven't got the funds to provide overtime. This is not an overtime issue, we'd rather have enough personnel.
' The minimum level won't be met, which hasn't happened since the 80s. With so many people retiring, management are saying they won't pay for overtime.
'As of January, there's not going to be any replacement or cover for anyone retiring and the public's and our safety will be compromised. That means we'll have less personnel and it will eventually take fire engines off the road.
'Although there is a recruitment embargo, we're actually allowed to recruit, but it's not enough. Fellas who are joining are brand new and don't have the experience. It takes 10 years to get that, it can't be learned overnight.'
Noting the 20% salary cut set to be undertaken by the Taoiseach, Mr Hayden added: 'Brian Cowen's pay cut would pay for a fire-fighter and a half for the station in Swords for a year. A lot more needs to be done at the top before we can say we're in this together.'
- Robin KIELY
