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City, firefighters reach new collective agreement

Agreement provides for wage increases equivalent to the BC Standard Rate for firefighters for the duration of the collective agreement.
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Roland Kemperman

For the Townsman

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, 2015 to December 31, 2019.

The new agreement provides for wage increases equivalent to the BC Standard Rate for firefighters for the duration of the collective agreement. Various adjustments to benefits were agreed to as well as the establishment of a Joint Union-Employer Fitness and Wellness Committee.

“Negotiations went very smoothly and the common sense approach taken by both parties ended with a win-win result,” says Wayne Price, Director of Cranbrook Fire & Emergency Services.

“The firefighters appreciate this ongoing support, respect and great relationship with our City”, says Clayton Murrell, President of Cranbrook Firefighters Local 1253. “This relationship provides for a more efficient service and safer community for our citizens.”

“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,” says 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 20 firefighters and 1 dispatcher. 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 and RDEK Area C residents and businesses.