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Volunteer firefighters negotiate wage increase, plus other workplace improvements.
Winnipeg (06 June 2012) - Springfield firefighters, members of the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) voted to accept their first contract as unionized employees.
Members voted unanimously to accept the four-year contract (effective January 1, 2011 – December 31, 2014), representing a significant achievement for Springfield Firefighters and for Manitoba’s volunteer firefighters who have historically not been unionized.
The Manitoba Labour Board issued a 10-page ruling granting the firefighters the right to unionize. The Board had previously held hearings into the matter, hearing from the firefighters and representatives of the municipality of Springfield.
The Labour Board agreed to automatically certify the bargaining unit when the union provided evidence of over 75 per cent support.
The contract includes a three per cent wage increase per year as well as additional protections and benefits such as the creation of a joint health and safety committee, a respectful workplace policy and a justice and dignity policy.
The union's next step is to contact the employer to finalize and sign the agreement before it’s printed and distributed to members.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE