City and Vaughan Professional Firefighters Association Reach Collective Agreement
Nov. 1, 2013
The City of Vaughan and the Vaughan Professional Firefighters Association Local 1595 have reached a collective agreement that will run from Jan. 1, 2013 to Dec. 31, 2015.
The City of Vaughan and the Vaughan Professional Firefighters Association Local 1595 have reached a collective agreement that will run from Jan. 1, 2013 to Dec. 31, 2015.
“The dedicated members of Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service put their lives on the line each day to keep our community safe,” said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. “I am pleased the City and the Association were able to reach this agreement. The commitment of these men and women to serve our community is truly inspiring and speaks to the high level of emergency service they provide to our residents and businesses.”
The terms of the collective agreement include wage increases in line with York Regional Police, a three-year trial of a 24-hour shift schedule, a wellness and fitness program, and other enhancements to working standards.
“This contract reflects the high level of professionalism provided by all of our Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service staff,” said fire Chief Larry Bentley. “This agreement is the result of a collaborative effort between both parties to address a number of issues that will support the City in focusing its attention on the main reason why we are here which is to provide service excellence to the citizens of Vaughan in a financially responsible and sustainable way. This is the first freely negotiated settlement in 12 years and it reflects the strong and enhanced relationship between the workplace parties.”
“The Vaughan Professional Firefighters Association and the City worked collaboratively to come up with an agreement that is beneficial to both parties,” said association president Jason McInnis. “We recognize the outstanding relationship between the City and fire and rescue staff. The members of our fire department are a professional team committed to serving their community both on and off the job.”
The City employs 300 emergency responders who provide a variety of fire suppression, emergency and first-responder services, confined space rescue and technician-level hazardous materials services to the city. For more information, please download Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service’s annual report at www.vaughan.ca/fire.