What's your contract status?

[colin911]

Just wondering where some other departments contracts are in terms of renewal, negotiating or arbitration.

Our contract is up for negotiation this year (2004) and in the past it's been a pretty long and drawn out affair, but hopefully it will resolve fairly quickly this time around.

What are some issues that your union is asking for and what does the city want to take away???

Colin

[Smoke20286]

Our contract ran out in December, we are currently awaiting the start of negotiations.

[Leafs Fan]

We are good until the end of 2004, our last contract was freely negotiated but a change oc council has occured and i fear we will be headed for arbitration next time.

Some of the issues will be the 24 hour shift and the promotional exam process.

[Smoke20286]

Aren't they allways

[Leafs Fan]

Originally posted by Smoke20286
Aren't they allways

No usually its job security" no contracting out" the city goes after.
just for curiosity could you give me a quick rundown on your promotional clause (process). we are in a big mess here and i am always looking to see what others have tht could maybe improve our process. thanks

[colin911]

Ours is fairly simple I think ...

After 5 years of being first class (8 years total) you are eligible to write for captain's exam.
When it's time for the exam (every three years) ff's and acting captains sign up and do a written exam. Usually multiple choice on SOG's, Memo's, Training, etc.
Then they go for their practical part of the test where it done orally with a representative from Administration, Training, and the Union. All questions are exactly the same as to eliminate chances of favourtism.
You then get a mark out of 100 combining both written and practical.
Also, you get 1 percentage point for seniority per year after your fifth year as first class. (so someone with 7 years first class gets 2 extra %age points) to a maximum of 4.
Also you get extra %age points for # of years acting as captain
(10 maximum).
Combine all of that and that is your total mark. There are acting captains with over 110 percent as a mark.
You go onto a list, and they you're assigned a shift just by descending order so 1,2,3,4 go to A,B,C,D respectively and so on down.
As captains spots open up, whoever is at the top of the list gets it.
I don't think I've left anything out.

Colin

[Leafs Fan]

Thanks Colin, That sounds almost exactly the same as ours except we have to be first class for 6 years and you have to beat anyone senior to you by 10 marks, I just wonder with all your similarity do you experience a lot of grievences regarding exams because we sure do.

[colin911]

I don't think that there are many grievances, but I do know that there is an appeal system. Almost everyone that writes takes advantage of it to get a few extra marks that could equal a percent or two on top of their mark. That translates into moving up the list by 4 to 5 and the difference of being a 4th actor instead of 7th.

Are you fire in the GTA?

[Leafs Fan]

No, I am about 2 hours directly east of the GTA on the 401, HOme of the ohl Bulls.

[Smoke20286]

Here in every round of negotiations they throw out the same old stuff
1- The Shift
2- Captains in the union
3- Overtime

Mostly its just threats to try and get you to cave on something else

[FireAxe179]

Fredericton

We are just going threw arbitration now

[bestcoast]

What is the highest rank that is still union on your job?? Our Battalion Chief's, Chief Training Officer, and Chief mechanic are still in our union but the city goes after those position's every contract to get them out of the union....Cheers

[colin911]

Our highest ranking position still in our union is District Chief.
Each round of negotiations, the city wants to take them out. We are supposedly getting Platoon Chiefs, and it's already been decided that it will be a non-union position.
About 5 years ago, it was agreed that the directors of a division, such as training, maintenance, prevention, fire/life safety, would be taken out of the union and given Division Chief titles.
Subsequently, they are now eligible to work until 65.

Colin

[FireAxe179]

Our highest rank in the union is the platoon captain, they used to be management but we got in the last contract. Our training officer is also in the union .

[Smoke20286]

Hey Fire Axe, I was up your way last summer for the APPFFA Convention, nice town

[Jay74]

Colin, any idea when your dept is getting the Platoon Chief position, i heard your dept was getting one but thought that was just a rumour

[colin911]

Platoon chiefs are still a "rumour" I suppose. There's talk about getting them in 2006, but of course that changes every time we talk with the DC or the top three. There's actual DC's that could retire now, but are hanging on for the postition of PC. I'm thinking that because they're out of the union, they can then retire at 65 while collecting an OMERS pension. Does that sound right?

[Jay74]

i think that sounds about right, we have pc's on our dept and the position seems to be doing quite well

[Leafs Fan]

Colin, do you folks have a no-contracting out clause in your contract? Reason i ask, we are heading down the road to a platoon chiefs type position but it has already been established that they will be in the union due to our no-contracting out clause. They can't create a management position that will do any work that is commonly performed by a member of the association covered by the collective agreement. IE. calling overtime for shift manning, ordering supplies ,you know the stuff.

[colin911]

We do have a no contracting out clause ... although I'm a little vague on it. There have been no questions raised from the union about it. It will definitely be an administrative type role, delivering mail, shift line ups, probably calling in the OT, approving shift changes, as well as most likely the IC in big situations.
I will ask around and see what the scoop is.

[Leafs Fan]

news from the 24 hour shift front. Our neighboring city (Kingston) had been on a trial of the 24 hour shift for the last year, two weeks ago the Union took a vote to either get rid of the 24 hour shift now or keep from now on or keep going with the a further trial period. Membership voted 84 % to stop the trial and just keep the 24 hr shift.
Unfortunately, Kingston CAO is reccomending to City council to terminate the trial period and go back to the 10s and 14s. His justification is that he doesn't like the looks of FIrefighters only working 7 or 8 days a month.:rolleyes: :(

[colin911]

We've just struck together a committee to investigate the pros and cons of 24hr shifts. I think that a majority of the members would like to at least try it out, but there's still a few senior firefighters that like "the way things are". For me, I could really care less. I don't mind the 10/14's ... only working 7 days, and seven nights a month is still a treat for me after the old Mon. - Fri. grind. There's also the argument that if someone works at a slow hall, it might drive them a little buggy. And at the other end of the scale, as it is for me, being on the busiest truck in the city, we could easily run between 12-20 calls in that period ... let alone a big fire at say 2am.
Anyway, I'd love to hear more about 24hr shifts ... maybe I'll start a new thread about them.

Colin

[Red_Devil]

Colin, we are trying out the 24 hour shift here in toronto, it hasnt started yet as we are working out the final details on vacation time and a few other little things. I beleive the start date will be in January sometime, i will let you know how it goes even though im in the district that is not trying it.

[bestcoast]

We looked into the 24hr shift as well. Most of the guys that live out of town were in favor of it. Myself personally i would have loved to try it but the city wasn't too keen on the idea. Also to the guys that are doing it i have a quick question....How are the guys in the busy halls handling all the runs over a 24 hr period??...cheers......

[scoop422]

I think even in the busier stations it will be better. Right now you may have 4 crazy busy nights in a row then you are a zombie. With the 24 you have one busy night and you are back to your own bed. As far as calls over a 24 hour period, how many guys part-time all day then come in for a busy night? I don't have the info or even know where to get it but the 24 is supposed to be proven better health and safety wise.

[bestcoast]

What are your hours of work?? Right now we are two 10 hr days and two 14 hr nights followed by 4 off. I'm pretty sure that is how most departments are. I agree that overall the 24 hr shift is at least worth giving a shot. I was just thinking the guys that are doing 350 to 450 runs a month might get worn out faster with the 24 hr shift. I can't say for sure because we aren't doing the 24 hr shift but if we did it is something you would have to keep in mind.....

P.S. sorry for being off topic...maybe this should have it's own thread!!! cheers..........

[scoop422]

We work 4 days on 6 off, 4 nights on 4 off, then 3 days on 3 nights on 4 off. Our 3 and 3 split and your 2 and 2 are supposed to be the worst for you.
Our 24 that we are to test is still based on a 42 hour week and you go to work 7 days out of 28. I don't know how it will go but it is exciting to be testing it starting January.

[bestcoast]

Make sure you let me know how you like the 24 hr shift scoop422. It will be interesting to get some info from guys that are working it. Thanks and take care...cheers......

[colin911]

We're the same schedule as scoop42 ... except that we work an extra day on our day shift (the Friday), which means our split shift is one day shorter (we come in on the Saturday).
Back on the 24 hr shift thing again, I think the hardest part of switching is how we're going to pick vacation and lieu days.
The way we hear it, you will need to book 2 lieu days to get 1 24 hr shift off. And vacations, are a whole other can of worms. I imagine the city will have a field day trying to take some more time away from us!

[bestcoast]

Check out Seattle's new tactic for contract time. Might be something to look at....

www.iaff.org/across/news.html

[Leafs Fan]

Originally posted by bestcoast
Check out Seattle's new tactic for contract time. Might be something to look at....

www.iaff.org/across/news.html

It scares me a little when Associations start talking about radical approaches. I look at the goings on in Montreal and all there crazy stuff and I think it doesn't help. The taxpayer that holds us in high regard may not like us so much and that would only make it easier for the municipal governments to really stick it to us. But thats only my feelings, i guess you got to use what ever works.

[bestcoast]

When is everyone's contract up?? We go till the end of 2006 then the fun starts again...:rolleyes: :mad:

[colin911]

Our's went out with the ringing in of the New Year. Could be a while until we're settled.

[bestcoast]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by colin911
Our's went out with the ringing in of the New Year. Could be a while until we're settled. [/QUOTE

How long till you usually settle?? We usually go about a year after the contract is up till we even make it to the table....:mad:

[Leafs Fan]

We had our second negotiations committee meeting last night. Are contract expired new years eve and the city just signed a stinker of an agreement with our cops over Christmas. Things are going to be interesting, It looks like we could be in for the long haul.

[bestcoast]

What system does your department use for uniform issue each year. We lost our point sytem last year when the city and union butted heads over the pro's and con's of it. I saw no con's in my eye's. You picked what you needed at anytime of the year and it came off your total. Now we get a yearly issue even if you don't need it and misc. issue (Dress uniform stuff, belt's, etc..) every 5-7 year's. The point system had a great variety, Rugby shirt's, vest's, sweaters, short's, you name it. I quess we can only hope it comes back next contract..:mad: ...BC....

[colin911]

BC ... to answer your first question about when we'll settle (a little late, sorry) ... it's looking good that we'll settle sooner than later. We've got a good bargaining committee, as well as a really fair administration in my opinion. The last contract was for 2 years and it was settled without an arbitrator, but the one before that had to be arbitrated and we had been without a contract for about 3 years. Long and short of it, hopefully not too long without one this time.

2nd answer about Clothing.

We're still on the point system ... but new this year, they added a bunch of other options (shorts, sweatshirts, equip. bags, gloves etc) because you only need new fatigues every couple of years and the ff's stockpiling work boots and t-shirts wasn't doing anybody any good. Now we've got some choice in what we order.
Having said that, there could be some improvements in how we order. We must order all items (use up all the points) by end of January, and the items are given out sporadically when they come in.

[bestcoast]

My locker is full of extra uniform's, boot's, jacket's. Since we lost the point system the stuff piles up. I usually give the extra's to the rookie's when they come on since they don't have much when they start. When we had the point system we also had to use them up each year, we couldn't carry over the point's from year to year....BC....

[LtBlondie]

we probably wont settle for another year, we've been without one for a year and a half already!! anyone else in the same position, (bend over and ready)

[bestcoast]

Originally posted by LtBlondie
we probably wont settle for another year, we've been without one for a year and a half already!! anyone else in the same position, (bend over and ready)

Going at least year without a contract is par for the course in Vancouver. Don't know why, but they don't even get to the table till at least a year goes by without one, then the negotiating starts till something is reached and then of course it's gotta be voted on by the members, so it's quite a lengthy process....BC...

[smoke286]

We've just struck together a committee to investigate the pros and cons of 24hr shifts. I think that a majority of the members would like to at least try it out, but there's still a few senior firefighters that like "the way things are". For me, I could really care less. I don't mind the 10/14's ... only working 7 days, and seven nights a month is still a treat for me after the old Mon. - Fri. grind. There's also the argument that if someone works at a slow hall, it might drive them a little buggy. And at the other end of the scale, as it is for me, being on the busiest truck in the city, we could easily run between 12-20 calls in that period ... let alone a big fire at say 2am.
Anyway, I'd love to hear more about 24hr shifts ... maybe I'll start a new thread about them.

Colin

Colin the IAFF has a package that shows how 24's are actually better on several fronts, including healthwise

[smoke286]

We are going to binding arbitration on our contract to begin in June

[Leafs Fan]

Going at least year without a contract is par for the course in Vancouver. Don't know why, but they don't even get to the table till at least a year goes by without one, then the negotiating starts till something is reached and then of course it's gotta be voted on by the members, so it's quite a lengthy process....BC...

I might be looking at this in the wrong way but, I kinda like going a year without a new collective agreement. The backpay is sweet. It is like forced savings. We have gone longer without an agreement and that is a little harder but the cheque is even better.
If anyone here from Ontario recalls the good old social contract days when we had Ray days, now that is a different story.

[smoke286]

Our contract ran out almost 1 1/2 years ago. You can get screwed in arbitration IF the arbitrator decides not to award any retroactivity

[scoop422]

Smoke, have you ever heard of that happening? That would pi$$ me off.

[Leafs Fan]

Our contract ran out almost 1 1/2 years ago. You can get screwed in arbitration IF the arbitrator decides not to award any retroactivity

I have never heard of this happening. Usually the Arbitrator will stagger a raise to lessen the blow for the city. 2.5% in January and than another 2.5% in June. Any Arbitrator that does not give some backpay is slitting their own throat. No Union Local will agree to them as the Arbitrator if they have a bad history. It can go the other way as well. We had an award for an interest board that we had fought the city for the sixth time successfully, The arbitrator said in his award that if he ever seen this issue before him again the city would not only loose but they would pay our legal fees as well. We have never seen that arbitrator again.

[smoke286]

Smoke, have you ever heard of that happening? That would pi$$ me off.

It happened to us two contracts back. The city convinced the arbitrator they couldn't afford it. They wont be able to do that this time though, increases to the city's other 3 unions were about 15%, and the City's management gave themselves a 17% raise. This is considered something of a boomtown lately.

[smoke286]

I have never heard of this happening. Usually the Arbitrator will stagger a raise to lessen the blow for the city. 2.5% in January and than another 2.5% in June. Any Arbitrator that does not give some backpay is slitting their own throat. No Union Local will agree to them as the Arbitrator if they have a bad history. It can go the other way as well. We had an award for an interest board that we had fought the city for the sixth time successfully, The arbitrator said in his award that if he ever seen this issue before him again the city would not only loose but they would pay our legal fees as well. We have never seen that arbitrator again.

He put a wage re-opener clause in our contract for 12 months later, we were able to make ground there, but still no retro

[bestcoast]

Contract ends, end of 2006. Gonna be interesting, ALOT of things going on within the union and on the outside!! 24hr shift lots of things to be discussed...........should be interesting.................BC..................

[scoop422]

BC, is the retention 3, 6, 9% that is big here something you guys would go for?

[ABFF37]

Our contract is in binding arbitration right now, as it has been for some time. It is an expired contract on top of that...so the moment they settle it, it will have expired (quite a while back actually) and they will have to start work on the next one. My fellow firefighters and I are owed in excess of 2 years of back pay. It'll be a nice cheque to get in the mail...if it ever gets here :rolleyes:

And here's some food for thought, we're going for 3.5% cost of living increase etc. once a year for a two year period. We can't get it, and have been without a contract for a couple of years. Yet in this same time period, city council has twice voted to give themselves pay raises...the most recent one was a 10% pay increase in one year...not to mention that something like 1/3 of their sallary is tax free for some reason. And our city CEO has had over 25% in raises in the last couple of years, currently earning around $325 000 a year. His vacation payout doubled from $12 000 to $25 000 between 2004 and 2005!

My suggestion is that if city hall wants to screw us around like this, it should be the leaders of the city's different unions that get to vote on the pay raises of the aldermen, mayor, city administrators etc. Then let's see if they want to play hardball all the time :mad:

AB

[bestcoast]

BC, is the retention 3, 6, 9% that is big here something you guys would go for?
I don't really know what the battle plan is for the negotiations that are upcoming, we still have till the end of 2006 left in our current contract. 3 6 9% would sure be nice though. I do know the 24 hr thing is on the burner like i said but after that we'll just have to wait and see. I think Surrey and Burnaby are first up for signing so we will be similar to whatever they get I would guess............BC............

[smoke286]

We are back in negotiations as of Dec 31st

[smoke286]

BC, is the retention 3, 6, 9% that is big here something you guys would go for?

Doh! You used the bad word!

Its "Recognition Pay" remember?

[scoop422]

I stand corrected;) . Is it something you guys are after Smoke?

[colin911]

We have it ... everybody that's getting it is extremely happy about it ... 1st class with 23 years is up about 80G's. Captain with same is 88G's and DC's are $99 500 .... not sure if affects pension or not.

[irsqyu]

Ours expired last summer, negotiations are ongoing but will probably end in arbitration with retention/recognition pay being the stumbling block.

Smoke, I still understand retention pay as meaning an incentive to keep the older more experienced people around instead of going for early retirement. I believe it does count for the pension plan from what I have heard. It is scary looking around when more than 50% of some departments such as ours have less than 5 years.

Recognition pay is also a reasonable description, I personally believe both are correct, but I do not believe the differential is to stop younger fellows from switching departments.

[scoop422]

I think we got it called recognition because they said we had no problems retaining firefighters. I don't think all the departments got it called recognition though.

[smoke286]

I stand corrected;) . Is it something you guys are after Smoke?

Not at this time, nobody quiting down here.

We have other priorities at the moment

[smoke286]

Smoke, I still understand retention pay as meaning an incentive to keep the older more experienced people around instead of going for early retirement. I believe it does count for the pension plan from what I have heard. It is scary looking around when more than 50% of some departments such as ours have less than 5 years.

Recognition pay is also a reasonable description, I personally believe both are correct, but I do not believe the differential is to stop younger fellows from switching departments.

As I understand historically the term retention pay comes from Toronto police negotiations because they were having problems with senior constables leaving Toronto for smaller Ontario cities where they faced less danger.

Later the Toronto IAFF Local was, as you said successful in getting the same deal for Toronto firefighters under the term "recognition pay" because no one is, to my knowlege having trouble with members leaving. Since then other Ontarion locals have been able to negotiate a similar deal into their contracts

[bestcoast]

Like I said we are looking at Toronto's 24 hr rotation plus the regular 24 hr shift..24 on 24 off 24 on 5 off....the guys really like both which means we will NEVER SEE IT!!! Management and the union hate each other. Real nice atmosphere............BC...........

[BCFFFV]

I took a look at the Toronto shift pattern yesterday.....I like the regular 24 on/ 24 off/ 25 on one best. Out of 800+ guys someone is bound to not show up for work thinking he still has another 3 days off a particular week. LOL!!!!! But seriously, I like them both.

[scoop422]

The benefit to ours in Toronto is we get 2 full weekends off every month. The 1 on 1 off 1 on 5 off splits the weekends because it is an 8 week cycle instead of a 4 week cycle.

[BCFFFV]

The benefit to ours in Toronto is we get 2 full weekends off every month. The 1 on 1 off 1 on 5 off splits the weekends because it is an 8 week cycle instead of a 4 week cycle.


I know.....your shift pattern also gives you 1 full week off a month. But I think I'd still prefer the 24 on/ 24 off/ 24 on/ 5 day off cycle

Our union is polling the 800+ members to see what version of the 24hr. shift they would prefer. It will be interesting to see what the result will be when it is posted.

We are probably just wasting our time anyways as I honestly don't think the Chief will make the change. So I'm not getting my hopes up.

The 24 hr. shift sure would cut down on trips to work and spending more time with a person's family can't be a negative thing. Would sure save me a great deal on daycare!!!!!

[smoke286]

24/72 is a pretty easy rotation to get used to, only drawback is you only get one FULL(Fri,Sat & Sun)weekend off per month

[oldboot]

1st FF 8-16 yrs 3% $73,654.35
17-22 yrs 6% $75,799.62
Over 23- yrs. 9% $77,944.89
Cap.8-16 yrs 3% $84,380.93
17-22 yrs 6% $86,526.20
Over 23 yrs 9% $88,671.47

D/C 8-16 yrs 3% $95,107.50
17-22 yrs 6% $97,252.77
Over 23 yrs 9% $99,398.05

This is the new 2006 pay rates for Toronto Fire with the 3%, 6% and 9% recognition pay rates

[smoke286]

Very nice numbers

[smoke286]

A question for those of you who have this already, is recognition pay considered pensionable income?

[oldboot]

It sure does!

[smoke286]

Sweet, would be good to get here

[cranker]

We are close to 3 years without a deal. The big issue apparently is the recognition pay. It seems that the city doesn't want to give us anything they want the arbitrator to do it so they can say " It wasn't us" so they can appear to be the good ones while they give themselves double digit increases. Sound familiar?

[TruckCo11]

We typically run between 2-3 years without a contract. It makes for a very nice, interest free loan to the city every time. We have gone as long as 4 years too.
None of our ‘premium’ pay is pension able, meaning our EMT pay, paramedic pay, educational, special ops, and all of our overtime.
Conversely, my brother, who works for a smaller suburban department in the area here, has his entire salary pensioned. Anything he is paid for is credited for his pension.

[ABFF37]

Our contract, albeit one that is already expired anyway, has finally been settled after two and a half years of waiting. The arbitrator came down with his decision in binding arbitration this week. As I said though, that just settled a contract that runs between Jan 1st 2004 and Mar 31st 2006. So we get some back pay and are still without a current contract. Read the press release at the following link...

http://www.gov.calgary.ab.ca/citybeat/public/2006/07/release.20060718_210724_3353_0

AB:rolleyes:

[smoke286]

Amazing ain't it

[colin911]

Pain in a$$ .... but at least it's settled and you can look forward to a new contract in another 3 years!

We're coming up to the end of our's (2006) .... they don't start to negotiate the new one until November .... makes you wonder.

[cranker]

The part that pisses me off the most about this is if the police perform some job action [i.e. not giving tickets] they can get a deal in 3 days. The TTC can get a deal when they threaten to pull the plug on the subway and buses. Same goes for the garbage collection. Yet the catch all for society [ I don't know what to do let's call the FD!] can't get a deal without arbitration and 3 years waiting. And the whole time we still keep on doing all the things that the citys want while they keep jerking us around for things that already have been negotiated freely by neighbouring departments!

[ABFF37]

Pain in a$$ .... but at least it's settled and you can look forward to a new contract in another 3 years!

We're coming up to the end of our's (2006) .... they don't start to negotiate the new one until November .... makes you wonder.


Yep...pain in the a$$ indeed. But at least as you said it is settled, and hey, I'm looking forward to the two and a half years worth of back pay!

AB

[Fireknight]

Our contract ended DEC 31, 2003....we are still waiting for a new one

[colin911]

Our contract ended DEC 31, 2003....we are still waiting for a new one
Are you in arbitration? What are some of the details?

[bestcoast]

Our contract ended DEC 31, 2003....we are still waiting for a new one
Well hopefully a nice little retro pay cheque will be coming your way once you settle..............BC............

[irsqyu]

Ours ended August 06, with 3-6-9 being a major issue, arbitration is inevitable. The arbitration system is taking quite a while in our province at the moment;)

[bestcoast]

Our's is up the end of 2006. Then we go a year or two without one before we settle, pretty standard stuff. But with the Olympics in 2010 I don't know if it means it will be settled faster or be longer than 3 years..........BC..........

[smoke286]

Ours ended August 06, with 3-6-9 being a major issue, arbitration is inevitable. The arbitration system is taking quite a while in our province at the moment;)

Ontario has an extra step in the arbitration process (conciliation) over what we have here. I'm not sure if other provinces work similarly or not.

[smoke286]

Last time our contract ran out at the end of 2003, we negotiated through most of 2004, then decided to go to arbitration,we signed our new contract in Sept of 2005, it runs out the end of 2006 also, then its back to the drawing board again

[bestcoast]

Last time our contract ran out at the end of 2003, we negotiated through most of 2004, then decided to go to arbitration,we signed our new contract in Sept of 2005, it runs out the end of 2006 also, then its back to the drawing board again
It really seems like a silly process sometimes doesn't it!!.........BC........

[bestcoast]

Anything new out there with anyone in contract talks???.........BC...........

[dentedhead]

We just found out its prolly off to arb for us.Out of a whack of important stuff that has been table two piddling things have been settled.

Apparently its going so well meetings only last 20 minutes:rolleyes:

Dentedhead

[irsqyu]

Bout the same with us, not much happening, probably off to mediation in the fall, then arbitration. Ours expired August 05

[smoke286]

We don't have the mediation step, We have done very well in Arbitration over the years.

It's been my experience if one goes into Arbitration with sensible positions that can be logically defended, you usually get a favourable result.

The old axiom here was always never go to arbitration with more then 2 or 3 issues because it will look to the arbitrator as if you did not seriously negotiate, but last time we went in with 7 and did very well with 6 of those.

[Fireknight]

Are you in arbitration? What are some of the details?

We go to arbitration in Sept and Oct. we are going for the same as Toronto as always, with 3/6/9 but the city has been slimeing us pretty bad in the news, we figure if we get our contract the news update will read "greedy Firefighters get their contract, city now bankrupt and has to sell youngest child of every family" Even if we do get our ruling from the arbitrator there is still no guarantee that we will see anything, the city paramedic's are now taking the city to court for not holding up to the arbitrators ruling.....but the gay pride parade is fully funded and running this weekend downtown.....priorities.........

[cosmo]

Our's is up the end of the year. Let the Games begin....

[smoke286]

Our's is up the end of the year. Let the Games begin....

Ours too, my first set of negotiations. I'm heading up to Niagara Falls to take a course in collective bargaining at the end of the week.

[oldboot]

Toronto is negotiating a new contract for 2007 which might end up being a two year deal.
Like usual we will be looking for improvements in benefits, money, and pension.:)

[bestcoast]

Any locals out there have a 15 yr rate for FF's?? I believe Surrey BC has it, and it's possible we might go for it this contract...........BC.......

[bestcoast]

Any locals out there have a 15 yr rate for FF's?? I believe Surrey BC has it, and it's possible we might go for it this contract...........BC.......

Guess thats a no!!!..lol.......What about partial or full coverage for laser eye surgery??...............BC....................

[smoke286]

No, we rolled all that into base pay about 5 years ago, even then I believe it was 10 and 20 here

[bestcoast]

Toronto is negotiating a new contract for 2007 which might end up being a two year deal.

Pretty sure the city will want to have us signed through 2010 due to the olympic games so I would think this would be a good time to go for the gusto on this contract................BC...............

[scoop422]

I think you're right BC but I hope your president feels the same way!

[bestcoast]

I think you're right BC but I hope your president feels the same way!
LOL....no kidding!!!......BC.........

[firebabs222]

Any locals out there have a 15 yr rate for FF's?? I believe Surrey BC has it, and it's possible we might go for it this contract...........BC.......



BC we have a 17 year rate for FF

[ssifire]

Any locals out there have a 15 yr rate for FF's?? I believe Surrey BC has it, and it's possible we might go for it this contract...........BC.......

106% after completion of 14 years for us on Salt Spring

[bestcoast]

106% after completion of 14 years for us on Salt Spring
That would certainly be nice if we could get something similar but I ain't holding my breath..........................BC................ ...

[bestcoast]

Our's is up the end of 2006. Then we go a year or two without one before we settle, pretty standard stuff. But with the Olympics in 2010 I don't know if it means it will be settled faster or be longer than 3 years..........BC..........
Last day of our current contract. Now the fun begins...:rolleyes:......wonder if the 24 hr shift is gonna come up in negotiation's!!!....we better not give up anything for it if it does cuz it ain't worth it if thats the case IMO..................BC........................

[fire44]

Bargaining for The Township of Langley's first IAFF contract begins Jan 1, 2007. Wish us luck !!!!!!

f44

[bestcoast]

Bargaining for The Township of Langley's first IAFF contract begins Jan 1, 2007. Wish us luck !!!!!!

f44
Good luck guys. If you need it, the other locals in the Lower Mainland will be more than willing to help out with any questions you have. It's a team effort, thats what the IAFF is all about.....welcome aboard............BC....................

[fire44]

Thanks for the support.

F44

[smoke286]

Bargaining for The Township of Langley's first IAFF contract begins Jan 1, 2007. Wish us luck !!!!!!

f44

Best of luck, after the first one its all gravy

[smoke286]

Last day of our current contract. Now the fun begins...:rolleyes:......wonder if the 24 hr shift is gonna come up in negotiation's!!!....we better not give up anything for it if it does cuz it ain't worth it if thats the case IMO..................BC........................

Last day of ours also

[ABFF37]

Bargaining for The Township of Langley's first IAFF contract begins Jan 1, 2007. Wish us luck !!!!!!

f44

Good luck, and all the best for successful contract negotiations to you and all the other IAFF brothers out there in Langley!

AB

[irsqyu]

Good luck, and all the best for successful contract negotiations to you and all the other IAFF brothers out there in Langley!

AB

Good Luck with the new contract
Ours expired August 05, still waiting here!:mad:

[ve2vfd]

As of today, our collective agreement is expired...

City is offering 0% for 2007 and wants us to do more (first responders and community outreach)... I predict pressure tactics real soon....

Time to get my old ripped up jeans and hawaiian shirts out... :)

Pat

[colin911]

Our contract has now expired as well. Although, I expect that negotiations will go well as they did the last time.

[oldboot]

Toronto’s also ended as of today,
The word that we have heard is that negotiations are going well and that the union executives expect it to be finalized some time in March.
We seem to have a much better working relationship with city council since the start of our political action and information campaign, and the support that we have shown to FF friendly councillors and politicians has been paying off.

Hey if you can get the prime minister of the country and your mayor dressed up in bunker gear and give them a taste of how hard our job can be it has to show results.

Time will tell how good of a job we have done…


Oldboot

[smoke286]

Toronto’s also ended as of today,
The word that we have heard is that negotiations are going well and that the union executives expect it to be finalized some time in March.
We seem to have a much better working relationship with city council since the start of our political action and information campaign, and the support that we have shown to FF friendly councillors and politicians has been paying off.

Hey if you can get the prime minister of the country and your mayor dressed up in bunker gear and give them a taste of how hard our job can be it has to show results.

Time will tell how good of a job we have done…


Oldboot

You guys have done a great job with political action, as a result you have a much better relationship with the powers that be than most of the rest of us enjoy. Hats off to you guys, we can all learn from your approach.

[bestcoast]

Hats off to you guys, we can all learn from your approach.
I agree, definately setting the bar. Due to political action we do have a fair number of city councilors in our corner this time for contract talks, we will have to wait and see if it pays off!!........BC................

[ABFF37]

You guys have done a great job with political action, as a result you have a much better relationship with the powers that be than most of the rest of us enjoy. Hats off to you guys, we can all learn from your approach.

Well said...political action is a good thing!

AB

[firelymie]

For all of you that are in negotiations right now you might want to fire your negotiating committee and hire this guy Simon Fuller he is one of the guys that made the beckham deal:

"He’ll start for the Galaxy and could enter a whole new universe: His deal was negotiated over 10 days by major entertainment industry players Simon Fuller, creator of American Idol, and Creative Artists Agency, home to some of Hollywood’s biggest actors. "

This is what I am talking about:

"The Galaxy didn’t say exactly what they’ll pay him, but floated a figure of $250 million (U.S.) in salary and commercial endorsements over the five years of his contract. In other words, his move could be worth $1 million a week."

I think I could make it to work for a cool million a week, and well for the back pay cheque woooooooooohooooooooooooo!! :)


Both Quotes are from The Toronto Star web page,
http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/170113
Friday January 12 2007

Has been a long time since I referenced something so please don"t sue me if it is wrong. ;)

[smoke286]

Simon Fuller is a complete idiot, Last week he made a statement where by he said he hated Bob Dylan, and thought Kelly Clarkeson was much more talented.

[bestcoast]

Toronto’s also ended as of today,
The word that we have heard is that negotiations are going well and that the union executives expect it to be finalized some time in March.



Are your contract's usually settled that quick???.........Our's seem to take at the minimum a year to get a :deal: with the city............BC............

[oldboot]

Are your contract's usually settled that quick???.........Our's seem to take at the minimum a year to get a :deal: with the city............BC............
In the past if they didn’t go to arbitration our contracts have taken almost the whole year to negotiate, however in this new era of mutual admiration between our association and management we may see it in the very near future:deal:
If you can believe it I have heard some members complaining that if we settle this early we will have a very small back check…..
Ya just can’t please them all.
The rumblings I have heard is it will be a 2 maybe a 3 year deal.

[bestcoast]

In the past if they didn’t go to arbitration our contracts have taken almost the whole year to negotiate, however in this new era of mutual admiration between our association and management we may see it in the very near future:deal:
If you can believe it I have heard some members complaining that if we settle this early we will have a very small back check…..
Ya just can’t please them all.
The rumblings I have heard is it will be a 2 maybe a 3 year deal.

Mutual admiration between admin and the union.....that's gotta be a fairly new thing in TO OB?? And it must be nice. Why do you figure it's better now than in the past?? I quess political action played a big part. Or was it a change at the administration level, or maybe a change at the union exec level?? We need that IMO becasue we butt heads over trivial things really and the contract talks draggggg.........however no complaints over the size of the retro cheques!!!:D .................BC.................

[smoke286]

Political action has indeed been very successful in Toronto, it never hurts to have your political leaders in your debt.

[colin911]

Our contract ended December 31st, 2006 and in less than just 3 (three) months, we've signed a new 2 yr deal. I think it's the fastest negotiated/signed contract in recent history. Great job on the part of the Union executive!

[irsqyu]

Our contract ended December 31st, 2006 and in less than just 3 (three) months, we've signed a new 2 yr deal. I think it's the fastest negotiated/signed contract in recent history. Great job on the part of the Union executive!
Nice when things go that well. You got 3-6-9 last contract didn't you?

[bestcoast]

Our contract ended December 31st, 2006 and in less than just 3 (three) months, we've signed a new 2 yr deal. I think it's the fastest negotiated/signed contract in recent history. Great job on the part of the Union executive!

Wow!!!.....way to go!!..:top: .. your union executive did a great job it sounds like. Settling a Contract in Vancouver that fast is only a dream............BC..........

[ABFF37]

Our contract ended December 31st, 2006 and in less than just 3 (three) months, we've signed a new 2 yr deal. I think it's the fastest negotiated/signed contract in recent history. Great job on the part of the Union executive!
Hats off to your union executive...sounds like they did a great job for you guys! We can only wish...the last contract took about 3 years to settle. We are in negotiations right now, so I would guess we'll see the next finished contract by about 2010.:rolleyes::mad:

AB

[oldboot]

Our contract ended December 31st, 2006 and in less than just 3 (three) months, we've signed a new 2 yr deal. I think it's the fastest negotiated/signed contract in recent history. Great job on the part of the Union executive!
Good job!
Do you have any details like percentage or benefit improvements?

When do you ratify?

[colin911]

A few details about the contract ... 3,6,9 was in our last contract, so we still have that. A wage increase of 3.1% per year. Benefits extend 15 years past retirement (used to be 10 years) or until you're 65. Some promotional exam changes, not anything big. Some changes affecting divisions outside of suppression that I didn't pay much attention to. Change in how lieu days are used/paid out if you're off for more than 4 months. 24 hour shift will be look at extensively on both sides (Toronto's, Mississauga's rotation) and if both sides are happy with it, we can go to it. Other than a few smaller items, it's a pretty simple contract (ie. we didn't lose anything).
Suffice it to say, we're all pretty happy about it. Should ratify within the next couple of weeks.

[spartan]

Hats off to your union executive...sounds like they did a great job for you guys! We can only wish...the last contract took about 3 years to settle. We are in negotiations right now, so I would guess we'll see the next finished contract by about 2010.:rolleyes::mad:

AB
Are you saying your union executive doesn't do a great job for you?

[ABFF37]

Are you saying your union executive doesn't do a great job for you?
Ummmmmmm...NO, that's not at all what I'm saying. Our union executive does an absolutely EXCELLENT job for us. I support our union executive 100%. If you have any doubt, read through many of my 1700+ posts on here, and you will see that I am a staunch union guy, and extremely proud of my local as well as the international representation through the IAFF.

What I am saying is that the city I am employed with has a poor track record of negotiating with its unionized employees. This includes historical issues in negotiations where the city has been charged with violations in the labour code. The last contract that we settled was achieved through binding arbitration with the assistance of an arbitrator. Historically speaking, our previous contract expired on Jan 1st 2004, and the final settlement from the arbitrator was handed out in the fall of 2006. Therefore, it took close to three years for the contract to be settled. Knowing several members of my local executive personally, I know full well that this lengthy process was not their doing, but rather due to the city and it's unwillingness to bargain in good faith with its employees. I have seen first hand the absolutely tireless efforts that our executive has made for us, and I support them entirely in the representation of the members of my department.

I go to the union meetings, buy the IAFF t-shirts, and support the Political Action PAC fund to show solidarity and support for my local. I am thankful every day that I have such competent and devoted representation.

I hope that answers your question.

AB:)
________________________
EDIT: After reading my post (the one which you quoted) I can see how it isn't terribly well written, and that it is unclear as to exactly what I was saying. I do take union issues with the utmost seriousness, and want to avoid any mis-communication. I hope this post clears up any confusion on the topic at hand. I appologize for any mis-interpretation.

[smoke286]

What I am saying is that the city I am employed with has a poor track record of negotiating with its unionized employees. This includes historical issues in negotiations where the city has been charged with violations in the labour code. AB:)



As are many of us, It is nice to know however that some cities have a more proactive attitude towards their fire departments

[ABFF37]

As are many of us, It is nice to know however that some cities have a more proactive attitude towards their fire departments

Agreed, and this is precisely the point that I was trying to make in my initial post by taking my hat off to the brothers in this local exectutive for their hard work, as well as the city side administrators for showing us that such negotiations are possible!

AB

[spartan]

Ummmmmmm...NO, that's not at all what I'm saying. Our union executive does an absolutely EXCELLENT job for us. I support our union executive 100%. If you have any doubt, read through many of my 1700+ posts on here, and you will see that I am a staunch union guy, and extremely proud of my local as well as the international representation through the IAFF.

What I am saying is that the city I am employed with has a poor track record of negotiating with its unionized employees. This includes historical issues in negotiations where the city has been charged with violations in the labour code. The last contract that we settled was achieved through binding arbitration with the assistance of an arbitrator. Historically speaking, our previous contract expired on Jan 1st 2004, and the final settlement from the arbitrator was handed out in the fall of 2006. Therefore, it took close to three years for the contract to be settled. Knowing several members of my local executive personally, I know full well that this lengthy process was not their doing, but rather due to the city and it's unwillingness to bargain in good faith with its employees. I have seen first hand the absolutely tireless efforts that our executive has made for us, and I support them entirely in the representation of the members of my department.

I go to the union meetings, buy the IAFF t-shirts, and support the Political Action PAC fund to show solidarity and support for my local. I am thankful every day that I have such competent and devoted representation.

I hope that answers your question.

AB:)
________________________
EDIT: After reading my post (the one which you quoted) I can see how it isn't terribly well written, and that it is unclear as to exactly what I was saying. I do take union issues with the utmost seriousness, and want to avoid any mis-communication. I hope this post clears up any confusion on the topic at hand. I appologize for any mis-interpretation.

Thank you for the clarification. Very well written.

[smoke286]

Agreed, and this is precisely the point that I was trying to make in my initial post by taking my hat off to the brothers in this local exectutive for their hard work, as well as the city side administrators for showing us that such negotiations are possible!

AB

Exactly. Hats off to all involved.

[bestcoast]

as well as the city side administrators for showing us that such negotiations are possible!

AB

I think our council is still looking for an artist to paint pretty pictures on the manhole cover's in the downtown core...:rolleyes: ..........15 Hall falling apart and our contract are on the back burner!!!!..................BC.................

[cranker]

We have entered our 4th year with no contract. Been so long since we have had a current agreement with the city no one even asks about it anymore. Gotta love the process!!!!

[telesquirt]

Hey Cranker are you guys waiting for 3 6 9 before ya sign??? :) .

[cranker]

Ya thats the big ticket item on this contract. Hopefully we will hear something soon I can't eat much more cat food!!

[fireguy9]

Signed new deal in July 07
Highest paid in the Province. Freely negotiated 3,6,9 and capt at 117%

[colin911]

Signed new deal in July 07
Highest paid in the Province. Freely negotiated 3,6,9 and capt at 117%
Which province? How long of a contract?

[fireguy9]

Which province? How long of a contract?

Oakville Ontario contract expires dec31/08

[irsqyu]

Oakville Ontario contract expires dec31/08


Glad you are doing so well as you are one of our main comparators during negotiation time!:shakehands:

[MontrealFire]

Montreal is still in negotiations (expired Dec 31 06).

City is still offering:

0% 2007
2% 2008
2% 2009
2% 2010

3 - 6 - 9 doesn't exsit in Quebec. We get 2.8% after 5 years.

The City is requesting:

Less firefighters on vacation.
A new selection process for officers vacations that would greatly reduce the number of officers on vacation.
Numerous reductions in clauses in order to reduce other absences.
Reduce payments when on workmens compensation to 90% of a max. of $57,800 a year (the maximum paid in Quebec, now its 100% of your salary as the City covers the difference).
1st class firefighter over 6 years instead of 4.5 years.

The Cities requests would save them close to 12-15$ million dollars a year. Now go back and look at what they are offering again.

Discussions over the 24h shift resemble a discussion over the health benefits of spinach with a pre-school kid who has his fingers in his ears and is chanting "I'm not listening - I'm not listening".

They agree with a few of our requests, largely those that cost nothing and save them either time or money. Anything that does cost anything, they expect us to pay for by further reducing our working conditions.

Just a quick little update on where we are, and have been stuck, for the last 6 months.

[fireguy9]

1st class base wage jan 2007 $73791
jan 2008 $76121
with 3% -$78405
6% $80688
9% $82972

Capt uncertified base $84859
certified base $86335
jan2008 $89061
uncert $87539

with 6% $93629
9% $95913

We have good wording for 3,6,9
In the year in which 8,17,23 yrs of service will be completed
Many have- must have those yrs completed before receiving the increase

[kriand]

We're just coming up to a year with no contract,(22 months last time), and still nothing on the horizon. Most everyone around us has settled.

[colin911]

Wow ... montrealfire, you've got an incredibly tough city ... that's almost outlandish what they're offering ... hopefully you come thru this with better results. As for Oakville fire ... glad to see you doing well, only means that the rest of us in the GTA do well :)

[nocomment]

15 months and no contract for us so far.

[Hawkwind]

Been in abrbitration since October, been out for a contract for 28 months now I believe. Hopefully it will be settled by Summer.

[trainwithfire]

Been out of a contract since DEC 31, 2005....Going to arbitration in July....Going after a 42 hour work week like everyone else in the provice....Were on a 48 hour work week right now.....Windsor...

[nocomment]

Been out of a contract since DEC 31, 2005....Going to arbitration in July....Going after a 42 hour work week like everyone else in the provice....Were on a 48 hour work week right now.....Windsor...

Wow. 2005!!! I don't feel so bad anymore.

[Fireknight]

Ottawa local 162 NO contract since Dec 31 2003.

[colin911]

Ottawa local 162 NO contract since Dec 31 2003.

???? WTF?

Way too long to be without a contract .... arbitration, I would hope is soon ....

[oldboot]

Ottawa local 162 NO contract since Dec 31 2003.Just think how big the back check will be!
When this thing finally gets settled I can see the headlines in the Ottawa Sun now!
“All Ottawa Professional Fire Fighters join $100,000. Club” :)

[Fireknight]

It has been in arbitation for awhile now they keep telling us it is soon.......back pay that is owed by the city is said to be in the range of 25 million.

We are also in the process of trying to have the Fire Chief removed from office.

[Crank]

Contracts? Fire depts have those?

:)

[nocomment]

Ottawa local 162 NO contract since Dec 31 2003.

That's brutal.

[nocomment]

17 months and counting.

[kriand]

17 months and counting.

Ditto...........

[firebabs222]

We just settled for a total of 22% for 4 years, strictly wages. Good luck to everyone else

[Fireknight]

We just settled for a total of 22% for 4 years, strictly wages. Good luck to everyone else

Which local are you with Babs?

[Fireknight]

17 months and counting.

Which local are you with NC?

[nocomment]

Which local are you with NC?
IAFF Local 18.

[Fireknight]

June 16 2008.......Still no contract.....Last contract Dec 31 2004......depressing!!!

[Fireknight]

June 16 2008.......Still no contract.....Last contract Dec 31 2004......depressing!!!

Sorry I meant to post "Last contract Dec 31 2003"......even more depressing.......

[nocomment]

We just settled for a total of 22% for 4 years, strictly wages. Good luck to everyone else
Sweet!! That's just a dream out here. Condo's, not houses, around 500,000 , gas and food through the roof and natural gas/hydro rates just hiked. Nobody can afford to live anywhere near the city and I have a feeling we are gonna get F*cked on this contract....

[origin76]

Can anyone tell me what's going on in Vancouver regarding contracts? I've just heard about 24 hour shifts, is that in Vancouver? I thought it was 10/14.

Thanks

[nocomment]

19 months and no contract. Once again the City of Vancouver proves they are one of the worst employers province wide as far as the relationship with their employees. How much longer till Sam is gone.

[itsnotahobby]

19 months? We'd do that standing on our heads we just went 36 months and two contracts before that was 48 months!

[nocomment]

19 months? We'd do that standing on our heads we just went 36 months and two contracts before that was 48 months!

Yikes that's brutal. Do you at least get a nice retro cheque out of it?

[itsnotahobby]

Yikes that's brutal. Do you at least get a nice retro cheque out of it?

Yeah we get retro, but that's 36 months back pay with no interest on the money that is rightfully ours that they've been collecting interest on for all of that time.

Management knows that they are going to pay out when it comes to money issues, this isn't a concern for them. They know that any arbitrator is going to award pay in line with comparable locals and police forces, so they estimate that percentage and budget for it. They will budget the amount for each year and let it sit and collect interest. When we get the award down from the arbitrator they pay minus the interest they collected while they so graciously held our money for us.

So yeah a retro check is nice, but I'd rather have the pay raises all along and not let the city make money off of my money!

[nocomment]

Yeah we get retro, but that's 36 months back pay with no interest on the money that is rightfully ours that they've been collecting interest on for all of that time.

Management knows that they are going to pay out when it comes to money issues, this isn't a concern for them. They know that any arbitrator is going to award pay in line with comparable locals and police forces, so they estimate that percentage and budget for it. They will budget the amount for each year and let it sit and collect interest. When we get the award down from the arbitrator they pay minus the interest they collected while they so graciously held our money for us.

So yeah a retro check is nice, but I'd rather have the pay raises all along and not let the city make money off of my money!

Yeah 18-24 months is around the normal amount of time out here and probably for the very same reasons you have mentioned. However with these negotiations the city is throwing all kinds of curve balls in regards to the Olympics in 2010. Our union exec says it's like dealing with a bunch of children. Thankfully the arbitrator is seeing this as well.

[Hawkwind]

yeah we just settled back in June after a 2.5 year wait, finally got our 3,6,9 and retro. Morale is much higher.

[Fireknight]

19 months and no contract. Once again the City of Vancouver proves they are one of the worst employers province wide as far as the relationship with their employees. How much longer till Sam is gone.

56 months and counting.........local 162 boy my a$$ is really getting it

[nocomment]

56 months and counting.........local 162 boy my a$$ is really getting it
Wow that's crazy. I feel your pain brother!!

[nocomment]

The Vancouver Firefighters Union President says his members are starting to get frustrated over the length of time it's taking to sign a new contract with the City.

Nearly two years ago the contract expired and Rod MacDonald says it's having an affect at fire halls, "The guys and gals, the morale is lower than a snake's belly."

He says adding to the frustration: they're the last union to sign an agreement with the City.

http://www.cknw.com/Channels/Reg/NewsLocal/Story.aspx?ID=1026818

[nocomment]

Going to arbitration this month so we will see. A retro Cheque for Christmas would sure be nice.

[telesquirt]

Going to arbitration this month so we will see. A retro Cheque for Christmas would sure be nice.

Good luck brother---we all expect a round of eggnog! :cheers:

Just sent in intent to bargain a few days ago.

[irsqyu]

The Vancouver Firefighters Union President says his members are starting to get frustrated over the length of time it's taking to sign a new contract with the City.

Nearly two years ago the contract expired and Rod MacDonald says it's having an affect at fire halls, "The guys and gals, the morale is lower than a snake's belly."

He says adding to the frustration: they're the last union to sign an agreement with the City.

http://www.cknw.com/Channels/Reg/NewsLocal/Story.aspx?ID=1026818
Gotta laugh when we read about the Durham Region Cops in Ontario, they are very frustrated they haven't had a contract since Jan 08 so they are being militant and wearing ball caps. These people don't have a clue what it's like to not have a contract for a lengthy period of time.. Maybe you should wear your "Slay the Dragon" or "Dance with the Devil" T-Shirts on duty, I am sure management will bend right away:D

PS, if you decide to go that route you can pick them up at the Firehall Store.

[ve2vfd]

Well, nothing changing in Montreal... no contract since jan 2007, city still refusing to negociate (and when they do, they make ridiculous offers).

We are in binding provincial arbitration and the city is doing all they can to stall (and even disrespect!) the arbitrator... this is going to be a looooong one!

In the mean time our uniforms are jeans or combat pants and union t-shirts or really loud tie-died t-shirts. :) Cops just started wearing baseball caps and butt ugly 80's golf pants to work, may have to get me some of those! (yes the city is not negociating with them either, or the blue collars or the professionals... get the picture?)

Pat

[trainwithfire]

In Windsor we have not had a contract since Dec.31, 2005....Arbitration is scheduled for Feb...26/09....We are seeking a 42 hour work week and parity with of our local police department...City does not want to give us the 42 hour work week..$$$...We all know that times are tough right now and the economy is struggling but how many other full time fire departments are working 48 hours a week?...I tried to find some....Couldn't....I feel our guys and gals are entitled to it and I'm sure when the arbitrator looks across the board at other departments, I'm sure he will feel the same way too........Stay positve and keep working hard....Wouldn't mind hearing anybody's insight on this issue......

[itsnotahobby]

In Windsor we have not had a contract since Dec.31, 2005....Arbitration is scheduled for Feb...26/09....We are seeking a 42 hour work week and parity with of our local police department...City does not want to give us the 42 hour work week..$$$...We all know that times are tough right now and the economy is struggling but how many other full time fire departments are working 48 hours a week?...I tried to find some....Couldn't....I feel our guys and gals are entitled to it and I'm sure when the arbitrator looks across the board at other departments, I'm sure he will feel the same way too........Stay positve and keep working hard....Wouldn't mind hearing anybody's insight on this issue......

I've never heard of a department doing more than 42 hours in a week. Are you guys paid a higher rate above the 42 hours?

[nocomment]

Gotta laugh when we read about the Durham Region Cops in Ontario, they are very frustrated they haven't had a contract since Jan 08 so they are being militant and wearing ball caps. These people don't have a clue what it's like to not have a contract for a lengthy period of time.. Maybe you should wear your "Slay the Dragon" or "Dance with the Devil" T-Shirts on duty, I am sure management will bend right away:D

PS, if you decide to go that route you can pick them up at the Firehall Store.

Those shirts might not be a bad idea!!!

[nocomment]

23 months and counting.

[nocomment]

Final day for arbitration was the 19th of November. Now we wait. :rolleyes:

[nocomment]

Verdict is in. 13.5 per cent increase over 3 years. Full retro from 2007-2008 So at the end of 2009 we get to do this all over again!! :rolleyes:

[oldboot]

With a nice back pay I see a big screen in your future ;)

[firebane]

13.5% over 3 years. Is this for Local 18? What is the breakdown each year?

[oneofmany]

13.5% over 3 years. Is this for Local 18? What is the breakdown each year?

Jan 07 2.0%
June 07 1.5%

Jan 08 2.5%
Oct 08 2.5%

Jan 09 2.5%
Dec 09 2.5%

39 month contract

[nocomment]

Jan 07 2.0%
June 07 1.5%

Jan 08 2.5%
Oct 08 2.5%

Jan 09 2.5%
Dec 09 2.5%

39 month contract

Thanks oneofmany. My mistake. It is a 39 month contract. Now we are under contract for the Olympics.

[itsnotahobby]

What does this put your first class wage at for the end of '08 and the end of '09?

[nocomment]

What does this put your first class wage at for the end of '08 and the end of '09?

2008 4th yr = 73,103.60
2008 10th yr = 74,582.76

2009 4th yr =76,808.64
2009 10th yr =78,358.56

[MarkMcKinnon]

If you were to marry the two threads, "Whats your contract status?" and "Backing of Political Candidates" you may realize that political action and successfuly negotiated collective agreements go hand in hand.

I am not suggesting that some of the locals that are long awaiting contracts are not politically active, some are, but I am suggesting that if fire fighters work hard to establish, build and maintain relationships with their Mayors and Councillors more contracts will be freely negotiated thus settled sooner.

If you have a good working relationship with your bosses, those that make the descisions that affect you and your families wages and benefits, you are better positioned to be in a position to arrive at a collective agreement sooner than later.

Your in a position to work out the details of a collective agreement without the distractions presented by Human Resources, the CAO (CEO) or their lawyers (who's interests are in polonging an agreement for the sake of the rest of their clienetel).

As has been mentioned in the "Backing of Political Cadidates" thread, be careful to focus only on supporting those, building relationships with those, that support fire fighter related issues. We can't get drawn into party, or ideological, issues. Stick to our issues!

Sorry for the rant, but "contract status" and "political action" IS directly related!

For those that have to fight the fight through arbitration, good work and thank you!

For those of us that have some light at the end of the tunnel, lets spend some time investing in building and maintaining the relationships that will serve us well in the future.

End of rant!

[Profire]

Very well said Mark. and quite true