It’s a contract dispute that’s more than two years old and with binding arbitration under way for the city and its firefighters, Mayor Joe Fontana says “all options are on the table.”
Cities across the province are keeping a close eye on what’s happening in London, with repercussions for firefighters and taxpayers across Ontario.
London’s arbitration hearing began this week and may set a benchmark for pending decisions elsewhere.
Fontana says the contract negotiations with the London Professional Fire Fighters Association stalled because the union is seeking a seven percent increase over two years.
“They have to be reasonable like everyone else and not expect three and four and five percent increases each and every year.”
He says unless something changes next year, 82 percent of firefighters will earn more than $100,000. He calls it unsustainable.
The firefighters’ union representatives declined an interview request, stating, they do not bargain in the media.
But they have been posting on social media.
“Despite what some politicians and amo (Association of Municipalities of Ontario) would like you to believe, providing professional fire services, public education, and prevention activities to Londoners for only $0.80/day is hardly "unsustainable.”
A two-year wage increase would only add about three cents to that daily amount.
Londoners who pay for and rely on firefighters are split.
This is what some members of the public are saying:
*“It's an essential service. They need to be there for us. If we need them, we want them to come, so I think it’s fair.”
*”It is just going to keep going up and up and up. I do think they are at a reasonable pay rate now.”
*“It is a lot of an increase, but they are putting their buts on the line to save us so all in all it’s worth it.”
