A HIGH Court decision to allow a part-time firefighter to work until the age of 65 has raised questions about whether members of trade unions are bound by collective agreements, according to the body which negotiates on behalf of local authorities.
In 2002 the Local Government Management Services Board negotiated a collective agreement with unions which set 55 as the retirement age for firefighters, with an extension to 58 if medically fit.
"This could have implications for industrial relations generally," Paul Dunne, assistant chief executive of industrial relations with the board, said.
"The judgment is particular to his age and contract . . . we will have to consider the implications and come to a decision but it is too early to say what we will do."
Siptu is expected to seek the same conditions for full-time firefighters, according to Siptu fire convenor John Kidd. He was "delighted" at the result, adding that "common sense was seen".
The firefighter's employer, Louth County Council, is expected to issue a statement today.
The Department of the Environment said it would wait until it saw a copy of the judgment before commenting.
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