Cambridge firefighters learned this week how much they’ll be paid for the last two years – and the city’s mayor says it’s more proof something needs to change in how those contracts are awarded.
An arbitrator gave firefighters a 2.7 per cent retroactive raise for 2013, and a 2.79 per cent increase for 2014.
“That impact on the community, when you break it down, is a 1.8 per cent tax increase,” Mayor Doug Craig told CTV News.
No deal has been reached for 2015 and future years.
Craig expects contract talks to again go to arbitration, and again result in a pay increase.
He wants to see the province review the current arbitration procedures.
This isn’t about firefighters,” he said.
“It’s about an arbitration system that is administered by the province, that is not taking into account the ability of municipalities to pay.”
The same issue has been raised by politicians and police boards across Ontario, with many arguing that police and firefighter pay should be determined by more factors than just what people in the same jobs earn elsewhere in the province.
According to the city, the firefighters’ new agreement also includes increased benefits around retirement, vacations and health care.
