Truro, NS Local 1627 members are welcoming a new contract that enhances public and fire fighter safety by ensuring four-person crews on the town’s fire trucks at all times.
Finalized just before the July launch of 4 Fire Fighters 4 Your Safety, an IAFF public safety campaign with the Atlantic Provinces Professional Fire Fighters Association, the Truro staffing agreement reinforces the message that having four personnel on scene quickly – the minimum required to conduct interior rescue and fire suppression – significantly impacts fire fighters’ ability to safely and effectively protect lives and property.
The Local has 17 members protecting the central Nova Scotia town’s 15,000 residents. The town currently deploys four fire fighters per vehicle, but that number drops to three when a fire fighter is unavailable due to injury, illness or vacation.
But in a letter of understanding in the new contract, the Town will fill two current vacancies and gradually hire swing fire fighters with guaranteed hours to ensure a four-person response whenever needed.
The Town also agreed to hire one additional fire fighter each year for the next four years, if necessary, to maintain four fire fighters on duty at all times, except in unforeseen or exceptional circumstances.
I think it was a fair deal for us and for the town. Having four people on a truck for us is very, very important.
Truro, NS Local 1627 President tom malone
Local 1627 President Tom Malone said securing language specifying four personnel per vehicle was a key bargaining goal, and he and his members are pleased it’s been achieved.
“Our members are happy,” said Malone. “I think it was a fair deal for us and for the town. Having four people on a truck for us is very, very important.”
The agreement, which expires on Oct. 31, 2029, includes wage increases totaling more than 23% over five years. Because it was achieved with the help of a provincial conciliator, the Local and the town avoided a costly arbitration process.
The Truro Local built its bargaining strategy around the core elements of the 4 Fire Fighters 4 Your Safety campaign, and Malone is hopeful Local 1627’s success will help other IAFF affiliates reach this important milestone.
Launched July 7 in the understaffed city of Charlottetown, P.E.I., by General President Edward Kelly and 15th District affiliate leaders, 4 Fire Fighters 4 Your Safety resources outline why fire departments with fewer than four personnel per vehicle threaten public safety – and how meeting the NFPA 1710 standard builds stronger, safer communities.
