Representing firefighters in Bois-des-Filion, CUPE 7139 signed a new collective agreement yesterday afternoon. It brings significant gains not only for firefighters, but for all town residents, thanks to the creation of a firefighting service that will be on call 24/7.
“Bargaining was long, but we succeeded in improving our members’ working conditions and implementing in-house, around-the-clock monitoring to better serve citizens,” said Dominic Tessier, local president.
The agreement provides for a complete overhaul of the fire safety department, creates five full-time firefighter positions and will implement a first responder service in 2026. The collective agreement covers January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2029, with salary increases totalling 29%. Other negotiated gains include the gradual transfer of captains to unionized lieutenant positions; improved leave, bonuses and allowances; and the creation of a bank of hours for union leaves.
The new collective agreement also provides for firefighters to join the FTQ’s Member-Funded Pension Plan (MFPP-FTQ). Contributions will increase gradually over four years to reach 17% of salaries, with 9% paid by the employer and 8% paid by employees.