KAWARTHA LAKES-Volunteer firefighters with Kawartha Lakes Fire And Rescue have joined the Canadian Union of Public Employees and ratified a new contract.
The new deal which was ratified on Tuesday and took effect on Wednesday. The volunteers used to be with CLAC the Christian Labour Association of Canada. At the end of 2019 the volunteers voted for a change in representation. There are approximately 300 volunteer members with the fire department.
Few details are available but the volunteers say they feel a good deal was reached.
“We obtained better wording for the personal protective equipment for our members and an increase in hourly pay.” one volunteer, who wanted to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal, told Kawartha 411 News.
Kawartha 411 reported in January that the morale was low within the ranks of the volunteers and that one had been suspended after a dispute with management.
Read more here:Â https://www.kawartha411.ca/2021/01/14/firefighter-suspended-amid-concerns-of-low-morale-and-accusations-of-docked-pay/
It is hoped this will help improve morale. “It’s a start” explained the volunteer.
