Leitrim County Council has confirmed it is to stand down 12 members of the fire service in the county.
It is understood the move is being taken after the part-time firefighters refused to complete a breathing apparatus training course.
SIPTU has said a number of issues arising form the course need to be dealt with, and the union is calling for a national agreement to be put in place for such training courses.
A spokesperson for Leitrim County Council said due to the non-compliance of the firefighters with the mandatory health and safety course, it had no option but to stand them down.
The 12 members will receive official notification of the move by letter in the morning.
SIPTU is to ballot the 48 retained firefighters in Leitrim for industrial action
