Northern Ireland's Chief Fire and Rescue Officer has called on the Fire Brigade Union to agree to special arrangements for firefighters should a strike take place.
Members of the Fire Brigades Union have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action in a recent ballot over pay for firefighters and control staff, saying that their wages have lost 12% of their value since 2010.
While discussions continue with the union, Northern Ireland‘s Interim Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, Andy Hearn, has called on it to agree to "special arrangements" if a strike does take place so that firefighters will still attend certain categories of calls in order to prevent the use of the military.
Read more: Northern Ireland firefighters to join UK strike action over pay
In other UK Fire Services, deploying the Military to cover for firefighters is a contingency plan and the Fire Chief is asking the union to agree to the arrangements in recognition of the unique circumstances in Northern Ireland compared to the rest of the UK.
NIFRS Interim Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Andy Hearn said: “I recognise and fully respect the outcome of the ballot. I wholly support a pay increase for our Firefighters and absolutely recognise the right of Firefighters to participate in peaceful strike action.
"However, as an organisation, we have a legal responsibility to prepare for strike action and a legal responsibility to deliver our statutory duty of keeping people safe.
"Ahead of the Fire Brigades Union National Executive Council meeting next week, I am calling for all Council members to fully appreciate and recognise the unique circumstances here in Northern Ireland, and agree to special arrangements to negate the need for Military resources during any period of strike action.
"I strongly believe it is in the interest of all stakeholders, especially at this time in Northern Ireland, to pursue special arrangements for striking Firefighters in Northern Ireland. I will continue to engage with the Fire Brigades Union and I am committed to finding a solution to the benefit of both parties."
He continued: "Should agreement not be reached with the Fire Brigades Union Executive Council next week, a request for Military Aid to Civil Authority (MACA) will reluctantly remain a viable option to be progressed through further discussions with our sponsoring Department, the Department of Health (DOH).
“I want to reassure the community in Northern Ireland that we are doing everything we can to resolve this national issue. I am asking for the Fire Brigades Union to work with us in recognition of the unique situation in Northern Ireland and support us in doing what we can to help keep people safe during any strike period."
Across the UK, 88% of Fire Brigade Union members who took part in the ballot voted in favour of strike action, including 94% of members in Northern Ireland. The turnout of the ballot was 73%.
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