We'll find out who is imbued with the Christmas spirit this week when the city begins collective bargaining with the union representing local firefighters.
Mimicking a resolution earlier passed by council, a press release issued Monday noted the city hopes it can "achieve a fair, reasonable and affordable contract that reflects the important job firefighters do in keeping the city safe.
"The city will be looking to balance this with long term sustainability for Guelph taxpayers as was the case with what other city employees have received in recent rounds of collective bargaining," the press release continues, without explaining what that means.
I'm guessing it doesn't mean huge raises.
I wonder if the Merc could publish the terms of the fire-fighters last contract and could you tell us who the negotiators are?
Both for the union and the City.
Posted by: geo | December 17, 2012 at 05:50 PM
If the teachers have to freeze their wages, so should the firefighters. Both groups are equally important and they should be treated the same.
Posted by: Gord | December 18, 2012 at 08:26 AM
I agree Gord.
Posted by: D C | December 18, 2012 at 01:20 PM
Let's also keep in mind that most of these folks are off this week.
City Hall is closed until January, as well as the rec centers.
Just great for the kids.
So, explain to me why the guy next door, who works for the city, who is on holidays, who makes more than most of his neighbors is bargaining against the people who employ him to perform a job that he can't be fired from.
Posted by: Doug | December 26, 2012 at 03:23 PM
http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/02/09/the-thin-red-line-increasingly-idle-fire-stations-a-tempting-target-for-cash-strapped-cities/
Let's see what Guelph does/did.
Posted by: pat | February 10, 2013 at 11:08 AM