Labour Court rejects SIPTU claim to extend Waterford firefighter’s retirement age

The Labour Court rejected the Services Industrial Professional Technical Union’s claim to extend a Waterford City Council firefighter’s retirement age so he could qualify for full pension benefits. The recommendation was signed on 14 February 2007. The union said the firefighter had more than 26 years’ service but needed a further three and a half years to qualify for a full pension. Waterford City Council said his contract set the retirement age at 55 and an exception could lead to similar claims. The Court found the contract clearly required him to cease work as a firefighter at 55 and saw no merit in the claim.