Barrie Fire Collective Agreement: An Overview of the Recent Developments
The City of Barrie and the Barrie Professional Firefighters Association (BPFFA) recently signed a collective agreement, which will be in effect until December 31, 2022. The agreement comes after several months of negotiations between the two parties and includes significant changes that will impact the city`s fire services.
One of the most significant changes in the new collective agreement is the increase in compensation for firefighters. Under the new agreement, firefighters will receive a 2% wage increase in 2021 and another 2% increase in 2022. This is in addition to a 2.75% increase that was already implemented in 2020. The agreement also includes provisions for increased compensation for firefighters who hold specialized certifications or who perform roles that require additional training.
The collective agreement also includes changes to working conditions for firefighters. One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a new shift schedule. Under the new schedule, firefighters will work 24-hour shifts followed by 48 hours off, which is a significant change from the previous schedule of four days on and four days off. This new schedule is expected to provide firefighters with more rest and recovery time, which is critical in a profession that can be physically and mentally demanding.
Another significant change in the new collective agreement is the introduction of a wellness program for firefighters. The program is aimed at promoting physical and mental health among firefighters and includes provisions for regular health assessments and access to confidential counselling services. This wellness program is a positive step towards supporting the mental and physical wellbeing of Barrie`s firefighters.
The collective agreement also includes changes to the disciplinary process for firefighters. Under the new agreement, disciplinary matters will be resolved through a new dispute resolution process, which aims to provide a more transparent and fair process for all involved. This change is expected to be a significant improvement over the previous process, which was not always effective in resolving disputes.
In conclusion, the new collective agreement between the City of Barrie and the Barrie Professional Firefighters Association is a significant development for the city`s fire services. The agreement includes important changes that will benefit both firefighters and the community they serve. These changes include increased compensation, improved working conditions, and access to a wellness program. The introduction of a new dispute resolution process is also a positive step towards ensuring that disciplinary matters are resolved in a fair and transparent manner. Overall, the new collective agreement is a positive development for Barrie`s firefighters and the community as a whole.