New collective agreement includes pay increases, wellness benefits, and Truth and Reconciliation stat holiday
LAURIE WEIR
SMITHS FALLS — Firefighters in Smiths Falls have secured a new contract and for the first time, it formally recognizes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory holiday.
Council approved the four-year collective agreement with the Smiths Falls Professional Firefighters Association (IAFF Local 1593) during its July 14 meeting. The deal runs from Jan. 1, 2025 to Dec. 31, 2028.
The agreement includes annual salary increases of four per cent, a new $1,500 health spending account for retirees, expanded paramedical benefits, and a $300 annual wellness credit.
Chief Administrative Officer Malcolm Morris said the agreement is the result of negotiations that began last November and concluded with both parties aligning on June 26. He confirmed the town had already set aside budget provisions to support the changes.
Morris also noted that the town will hire four new dispatchers under this agreement. The roles are tied to anticipated external dispatching contracts, and will effectively pay for themselves through incoming revenue as more work is secured.
“This is a situation where the added workload brings in the resources to fund it,” he said.
Highlights of the deal include:
- Four per cent annual salary increases in each year of the agreement.
- Lieutenant pay set at 110 per cent of a 1st Class Firefighter’s salary; Fire Prevention Officer to remain at 112 per cent.
- New retiree benefits, with a $1,500 annual health spending account from ages 65 to 75. There will be stipulations to receiving this benefit, Morris noted, which are outlined in the agreement.
- Expanded paramedical coverage, increased to $2,000 per year.
- A $300 annual wellness benefit for all members.
- Truth and Reconciliation Day added as a statutory holiday.
- DZ licence reimbursement raised from $100 to $150.
A Letter of Understanding also defines a dispatcher salary scale, starting at 52 per cent of a 1st Class Firefighter’s salary in year one and increasing to 71 per cent by year five, contingent on the expansion of external dispatching services.Morris said the town used an interest-based bargaining approach and credited the collaboration between parties. “We reached consensus after a series of meetings, and we’re pleased with the result.”
The agreement was negotiated with support from Hicks Morley law firm and input from comparator municipalities. It replaces the previous deal, which expired at the end of 2024.
Council approved the contract, which will move to ratification.
