Firefighter Contract Arbitration Award Handed Down

August 29, 2017 - Provincial Arbitrator James Hayes issued an Interest Arbitration Award for the City of Thunder Bay and the Thunder Bay Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 193 (TBPFFA).

The binding Award results in wage increases of 2.39% in 2015, 2.267% in 2016, and 2.267% in 2017.

The decision adds to the increasing cost of providing tax-supported emergency services and reinforces the need to address this fiscal challenge on a community and Province-wide basis.

"Interest arbitration does not replicate free bargaining," said Norm Gale, City Manager. "We will continue to appeal to the Province for reform."

The City is working closely with the Association of Municipalities Ontario (AMO) and other organizations to address the issues related to Province-wide arbitration processes and the cost related to municipal emergency services.

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Contact: Jodi Wright, Communications Specialist, 625-2438