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City and firefighters reach collective agreement
The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Cranbrook Firefighters Local 1253 and the City of Cranbrook have reached a new collective agreement, the terms of which run from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2023.
Cranbrook Firefighters Local 1253 ratified the agreement on Tuesday, July 12, while Council ratified the agreement on Monday, July 11.
The new agreement provides for wage increases equivalent to the BC Standard Rate for firefighters for the duration of the collective agreement, along with the implementation of a pay adjustment for high seniority staff. The new agreement demonstrates the organization’s desire for and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in the work place. The length of this new agreement also ensures stability within the department, the city outlined in a media release.
“As the employer, I am very happy to have settled on terms with our unionized firefighters,” stated Chief Scott Driver, with Cranbrook Fire & Emergency Services. “We have an extremely dedicated group of individuals protecting our citizens, and with the stability of this collective agreement they can remain focused on the important work in front of them as we move into fire season.”
Paul Relkoff, President of the Cranbrook Professional Firefighters Association Local 1253 added, “We see this settlement as mutually beneficial to the city and our members, and we are happy to have reached an agreement with the city.”
“We are very pleased to ratify this agreement. We are fortunate to have a very professional and dedicated group of individuals in our fire department, who take a keen interest in serving the community both on and off the job,” said Mayor Lee Pratt. “This dedication and interest was very clearly portrayed during all the negotiation meetings. We recognize the outstanding relationship in place between the city and our firefighters.”
The City of Cranbrook currently employs 25 firefighters and 10 auxiliary members. This group of professionals provides a variety of fire suppression, emergency and first responder services including water and ice, confined space rescue and technician level hazardous materials services to the city, ʔaq’am and RDEK Electoral Area C residents and businesses.
Providing service in these areas generates $1.1 million per year in fees for service for the municipality.
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