More Paid On-Call Firefighters Win RWDSU Voice in Ontario (7/6/10)

On June 28, paid-on-call firefighters for the Township of Georgian Bluffs and part of the Municipality of Meaford, all in Ontario, Canada, voted overwhelmingly in favour of joining RWDSU Local 431.

 “The firefighters took a giant step forward to regaining their respect and dignity that they have lost over the years from the actions of the Inter-township fire board. Their decision to join our union wasn’t something that occurred over night. It’s not a reflection of the Chief or the Deputy as they spoke highly of their superiors and feel that it’s a strong family unit at the fire hall,” stated RWDSU Canadian Director Derik McArthur.

“These firefighters were tired of having the township treat them as second-class citizens and they had enough. When the Inter-township fire board tried to backdoor changes to their employment with the township without any consultation with their association they called us to talk about joining,” McArthur added.

Local 431 was established in 2009, and is a dedicated RWDSU local for paid on-call firefighters in Ontario. Paid on-call firefighters in Petawawa, Ontario, joined the local In May.