The Cities of New Brunswick Association has proposed changes to the agreement of binding arbitration for municipal police and firefighters.
On Monday, the City of Moncton voted in favour of bringing the proposal to the provincial government’s attention.
Coucillors felt it would be a good opportunity to have a discussion with the province on the issue.
However, Glenn Sullivan, who represents professional firefighter in Atlantic Canada says stakeholders should also be part of that conversation.
“This is a very complex issue, it’s an issue that has a history of over 5 decades and it won’t come as a knee-jerk reaction to make changes to it without taking into consideration all of the factors and listening to the stakeholders,” he says.
Sullivan doesn’t see any issues with the current system and says decision-makers aren’t well enough informed to make such impactful changes.
“We just want a fair system in place like we’ve had for the last five decades and we just want to do the work that the citizens want us to be doing and that’s protecting their lives and property,” he says.
Sullivan says only small amount of negotiations over the last 20 years actually went to arbitration.
Over 40 local firefighters filled city hall on Monday hoping to discourage Council on the changes.
However, the proposal will now be brought to the attention of the provincial government for further discussion.
