Richmond Hill Reaches Contract Agreement with Firefighters

RICHMOND HILL – Richmond Hill Council approved a new five-year contract with the city’s Fire and Emergency Services Division at the April 30 Council meeting. The contract covers the period from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2022.

The International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1957, Richmond Hill, ratified the contract on April 29 and 30.   

“Our highly-trained Fire and Emergency staff keep our city safe,” said Mayor Dave Barrow. “This is the kind of specialized municipal service that simply must be available when our residents need it. A five-year contract will ensure stability and consistency for the city, our residents and our Firefighters.”

The contract includes biannual increases for 1st class Firefighters, as follows:

January 1, 2018       0.68638%             July 1, 2018             0.68069%
January 1, 2019       0.61150%             July 1, 2019             1.28077%
January 1, 2020       1.50025%             July 1, 2020             0.68977%
January 1, 2021       0.82554%             August 1, 2021        0.95044%
January 1, 2022       0.81298%             August 1, 2022        0.88669%

Other highlights of the agreement include:

• A post age 65 Retiree Health Care Spending Account for existing active full-time Firefighters who are enrolled in the existing health benefit plan at age 65.
• Coverage of the cost up to $125 for the medical examination for an AZ/DZ licence.
• Increased benefit allowances including orthodontic, vision, chiropractic and massage. 

“The freely-negotiated contract, without the need for arbitration, helps ensure a good relationship continues between Richmond Hill and the Fire Fighters Union. Arbitration processes are costly for both sides,” said Neil Garbe, City Manager.

The five-year contract is in line with contracts signed in other municipalities of comparable size and location. It was reached only four months after an Interest Arbitration award between Richmond Hill and the Richmond Hill Fire Fighters Union for the period from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017.

Quick Facts

• Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services respond to emergency calls including fires, medical assistance, rescue, auto rescue, public assistance and spills and the release of hazardous materials.
• Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services consists of five divisions: Suppression, Communications (Dispatch), Prevention and Education, Mechanical and Training.
• Richmond Hill has six fire stations across the city, as well as the Fire Training Centre located at Fire Headquarters, 1200 Elgin Mills Road East. 

Associated Links
RichmondHill.ca/Fire

For more information, please contact:
Sherry Adams, Director, Human Resources, 905-771-2521, sherry.adams@richmondhill.ca