The City of Orillia and the Orillia Professional Fire Fighters Association (OPFFA) representing Orillia Fire Fighters have successfully ratified a new three-year collective agreement.
“We are pleased that through productive negotiations we arrived at a freely negotiated agreement with the OPFFA,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “The health and safety of our community is of utmost importance, something we must work to achieve while balancing affordability for taxpayers. I would like to thank the OPFFA and our City bargaining team for working together to achieve this outcome.”
Under the new agreement, members will receive a 3.25 per cent salary increase for 2024 and a three per cent salary increase in both 2025 and 2026. Additionally, there will be incremental adjustments for health and wellness benefits, with a focus on psychological benefits.
“We’re happy we were able to negotiate a fair deal for Orillia Fire Fighters,” said Brett Eeles, President of the OPFFA. “We would like to thank the City of Orillia’s bargaining team for working with the OPFFA to reach a deal that recognizes the critical role Fire Fighters have in upholding community safety.”
The agreement was freely negotiated through a bargaining process between the City of Orillia and the OPFFA that took place in January 2024. The agreement was presented to the OPFFA membership on Feb. 13, 2024, for ratification.
“Through respectful dialogue, both parties engaged in productive discussions aimed at ensuring the best outcomes for our community. This agreement reflects our shared dedication to public safety of our citizens, demonstrating the power of collaboration in addressing the needs of our city,” said Gayle Jackson, Chief Administrative Officer.
The agreement is effective Jan. 1, 2024 until Dec. 31, 2026 and encompasses 46 employees from the Suppression Division, Prevention Division, and Communications area.