The Sarnia Professional Firefighters Association (SPFFA) and the City of Sarnia have ratified a four-year contract.
The agreement includes an annual 3.25 per cent wage increase for 126 Sarnia Fire Rescue staff over the next four years, ensuring compensation keeps up with continued high inflation.
"I want to thank (General Manager of Corporate Services) David Stockdale and the entire city negotiating team for being organized, prepared, and negotiating respectfully in these challenging times," said SPFFA President Matt Madere in a news release. "I believe that we’ve come to a settlement that is fair and equitable for all parties involved.
Medere also congratulated Fire Chief Bryan Van Gaver on his retirement and thanked him for his contributions to the negotiation process.
"With the expertise and departmental history that he brought to the table, we were able to make operational changes that should allow the department to run more effectively," he said.
The release said the contract maintains Sarnia Professional Fire Services’ compensation within provincial averages and the mandate set out by city council.
The previous contract for the SPFFA expired on December 31, 2023.
Negotiations began in late 2023, and the new contract expires on December 31, 2027.
The city continues negotiations that began in the fall of last year with several of its other employee groups, including CUPE 3690, CUPE 2713, and CUPE 153.
