CORNWALL, Ontario – Some city councillors, behind the scenes, have grave concerns with submissions put forward Monday by Cornwall firefighters seeking a hefty pay increase.
While nothing official is expected from the city for a few days, Mayor Leslie O’Shaughnessy was asked Monday night if he felt the 8.6 per cent pay hike the firefighters demanded at an arbitration hearing was too much.
“I do believe that would be an understatement to some extent,” said O’Shaughnessy.
The mayor then reserved further comment until administrators can get a closer look at the data presented in more than 160 pages by firefighters at arbitration hearing.
“Allow us to do the work so we can convey proper information,” he said, adding a costing for the wage hike proposal would be provided soon.
Other councillors who wished to remain anonymous until the city officially releases a comment on the matter were of a similar mind.
The Cornwall Professional Firefighters Association is proposing wage increases of 8.6 per cent over three years (3.25, 2.78 and 2.57 per cent).
If approved it would mean a first-class firefighter would rake in as much as $92,000 a year, compared to the $84,500 currently on the books.
It’s unknown what the city is proposing to counter the offer, but it appears unlikely an arbitrator will agree to the full request.
Jason Crites, president of the firefighters association, pointed to a recent contract agreement between the city and Cornwall police that brings with it increases of around 6.75 per cent (over three years), plus a hefty buyout package for accumulated sick time.
Crites said firefighters are looking for something similar, but concedes an arbitrator will have to explore both sides.
“He’s likely going to have to sift through all this and see where we can go,” said Crites.
In addition to the wage hike, firefighters are also seeking a 24-hour shift schedule, a rollback on years of eligibility for vacation entitlement and a cash out of holidays in lieu.
Just a few weeks ago city council agreed to finally hire four new probationary firefighters that will fill spots left by retirees.
The arbitrator’s decision, which is binding, is not expected until the end of the year. The arbitrator can choose to craft a decision that incorporates any components he sees fit from both sides of the hearing.
