Labour Court rejects firemen's compensation claim over reduced call-outs

In 1989, the Labour Court did not recommend conceding a claim by Irish Transport And General Workers Union for compensation for part-time firemen in Bray. The recommendation was signed on 23 October 1989. The union linked reduced call-outs to Wicklow County Council's £25 chimney-fire levy and sought about £900 per claimant. Wicklow County Council said call-outs had fallen for several reasons, including fewer bogus calls, fire-prevention work and greater public awareness. The Court said the firemen's retainer-plus-call-out pay structure and the several reasons for changing public demand did not justify compensation for lost call-out earnings.