Firefighters settle pension dispute after years of negotiation

Montreal's fire stations have come to an agreement in principle, which is set to end the long-term labour dispute between the city and the first responders.

For years now, the two sides have been at loggerheads. In August 2014, some municipal workers trashed City Hall council chambersas a means of protesting changes imposed to their pension plans. The demonstration led to the dismissal of sixemployees for vandalism.

All 67 of the city's fire departments voted 94 per cent in favor of the agreement.

The agreement addresses the financial health and sustainability of defined benefit pension plans in the municipal sector.It also complieswith their current collective agreement, whichis set toexpire in 2018.

City pleased, firefighters appeased

The City of Montreal has welcomed the result of the vote.

"This agreement demonstrates that dialogue and good faith allow the parties to come together," said Denis Coderre, Montreal mayor.

The agreement in principle will be submitted to the city's executive committee next Wednesday.

Thepresidentof the Montreal firefighters union,President Ronald Martin, said he was "satisfied" with the deal.

The Montreal Firefighters Association (MPA), which represents 2,400 workers, stressed in a statement that the settlement settles all disputes arising from the demonstration of August 18, 2014.

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Mayhem at Montreal city hall

10 years ago

Duration 2:27

Montreal's police chief criticized his own force for not intervening enough in Monday's pension protest at city hall

The two sides managed to come to an agreement at the end of May, after months of ardent negotiations

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