City adopts the new agreement with firefighters

Sherbrooke’s elected municipal officials approved a new collective agreement governing firefighters until December 31, 2018 at Monday’s regular City Council meeting. Sherbrooke firefighters have not had a contract since December 31, 2013 and ten negotiating sessions, including four in the presence of a mediator, were required to conclude the agreement that covers 176 employees. The bargaining process stopped in 2016 and resumed in 2017. As with other employee groups, this five-year agreement provides wage increases of 2 per cent per year, an additional holiday, and the adjustment of the long service premium. A reorganization of the risk management division's work schedule will also facilitate operations.

"Although the negotiations took place over a long period of time due to the coming into force of the new Labor Relations Act, we are pleased to have reached a negotiated settlement. Throughout the process, the work of our firefighters ensuring the safety of the population has been exemplary, "said Sherbrooke Mayor Bernard Sévigny/