(Photo: Wade Perry)
Moncton City Council has unanimously supported a new contract agreement with firefighters after nearly year-long negotiations.
Negotiations began in February after the previous contract expired December 31, 2019.
An agreement was reached without binding arbitration.
The contract will see 111 firefighters and officers earn a 2.25 percent wage increase per year over a four year period.
Changes were also made to contract language which will improve the operational efficiencies of the department as well as help manage and control costs.
“We are pleased to have been able to negotiate a collective agreement with IAFF Local 999. I want to thank all those involved in seeing this process through in a positive way,” stated Mayor Dawn Arnold.
“There has been much talk over the past years about the impact of arbitration on our municipalities. The pending provincial changes regarding arbitration is something that we continue to support as a municipality.”
“This particular agreement is a positive step forward for both the City and the IAFF. It allows for enhanced flexibility for both sides and offers more specific and clear language. I am also pleased that we were able to come to an agreement and avoid the arbitration process”, added Fire Chief Conrad Landry.
IAFF Local 999 says it supports the current provincial arbitration process.
However, union president Ashley Graham also agreed that the negotiating experience was positive.
“I would like to congratulate both negotiating teams on all of the hard work it took to get this agreement in place. This sets an example for other communities in our province. When both parties bargain in good faith, deals can be reached. Labour relations between the City and Union have improved and we look forward to working together to continue to provide our services to the community.”
The new agreement will be retroactive from January 1, 2020 and will expire on December 31, 2023.
