City and Firefighters Reach New Deal

By Corey Fischer

Nov 26, 2018 | 3:45 PM

Vernon’s professional firefighters have reached a new labour deal with the city.

The deal with the International Association of Firefighters local 1517 runs from Jan. 1, 2016 to Dec. 31 2019.

The city has 30 professional firefighters.

Mayor Victor Cumming says the pact serves the needs of both parties.

“The parties were committed to negotiating an agreement in good faith, and worked together as a team for the greater good of the citizens of Vernon,” says Cumming.

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The terms of the new collective agreement continue the terms of the previous agreement, which expired on Dec. 31, 2015, with the exception of a small number of negotiated clauses as well as a revised pay schedule.

The agreement makes provision for a 2.5 per cent salary increase for each year, retroactive to January 1, 2016.

“The Vernon Professional Fire Fighters Association IAFF Local 1517 is happy with the new contract, which provides a fair wage for the membership,” says Doug Imrich, President, IAFF 1517. “We are pleased with the way we were able to work together to come to a negotiated settlement.”

“I look forward to the City and IAFF Local 1517 moving forward together with the new agreement,” said Will Pearce, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Vernon. “Provision has been made in current and prior year budgets for the wage adjustment. The proposed 2019 Budget also includes provision for the Agreement, so the costs are fully budgeted.”

Vernon Fire Rescue Services provides professional firefighting and rescue services to the City of Vernon, helping keep people and property safe, with a commitment to ongoing training, education and community service.

by Corey Fischer