Nanaimo News Bulletin, June 21, 2012

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THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012

www.nanaimobulletin.com

Firefighters’ wages dominate municipal employee payroll

VOL. 24, NO. 23

WELCOME TO SUMMER

Members’ roles have changed considerably over the years with higher levels of diverse training increasingly necessary BY TOBY GORMAN THE NEWS BULLETIN

Remuneration for Nanaimo’s firefighters dominate the city’s recently released list of municipal employees making more than $75,000 annually during 2011. While the list grew to 176 municipal employees making that amount or more – that’s up from 112 employees in 2008 – firefighters account for 76 of those positions. Of those, 24 firefighters exceed the $100,000 mark with 16 fire captains making between $100,000 and $107,000 annually. In 2008, only four firefighters, all chiefs or assistant chiefs, made more than $100,000. Firefighters are currently negotiating a new contract with the city, which is expected to be completed later this year. Under the current contract, Nanaimo’s International Association of Fire Fighters union members received an annual wage increase of almost four per cent. That means a firefighter making about $85,000 in 2008 is now taking in on average $12,000 more. Nanaimo Fire Chief Ron Lambert said as an industry, firefighter wages throughout the province are consistent with each other, and IAFF locals bargain based on other communities in the province. He added that the roles of firefighters have changed considerably

over the last several years and that members have had to become more diverse in their training. “What has happened with firefighter wages is that there is parity with Vancouver,” said Lambert. “As an industry, firefighter wages throughout the province now, for the most part, are consistent with one another. And these numbers are based on all of our firefighters’ incomes aggregated, including training programs and overtime.” Lambert added that firefighting is only one part of his members’ duties under the current contract. Medical response, technical rescues, public education and vehicle extrication all require high levels of training. “Arbitrators have decided the standard,” he said. On average each year, Nanaimo firefighters respond to about 5,000 calls. Of those, 60 per cent are medical response. Nanaimo Mayor John Ruttan said he wasn’t in a position to comment on firefighters’ wages because they are at the bargaining table, but he did say protecting the citizens of Nanaimo is a council priority. “It’s expensive, yes, but there are standards to be met and people expect a certain service level and we have made it a priority to provide that,” said Ruttan. He added that because of Nanaimo’s linear shape, ensuring proper response times is a challenge. ◆ See ‘PROTECTIVE’ /4

CHRIS BUSH/THE NEWS BULLETIN

Jenny Moxam, left, and Tony Martinson of Garco Coatings Systems, slap a fresh coat of bright yellow paint on one of the lifeguard chairs at Westwood Lake Beach Wednesday. Summer made its debut with hot, sunny day with hopefully many more in the weather forecast for the remainder of the season.

Candlelight vigil held for Lisa Marie BY CHRIS BUSH THE NEWS BULLETIN

A candlelight vigil Saturday (June 23) will mark the 10th anniversary of a Nanaimo woman’s disappearance. Lisa Marie Young has not been seen since she left a house party in Nanaimo the morning of June 30, 2002. Ten years later, her mother, Joanne Young, still waits for the mystery of her daughter’s disappearance to be solved and Nanaimo RCMP investigators continue to hope for a break in the case. In the intervening years, Joanne has

fought to keep her daughter’s memory alive with walks, vigils and other public reminders. This year’s event, A Voice for Lisa Marie, takes place at 10 a.m. at Christ Community Church, 2221 Bowen Rd. Supporters will set out for a walk along Bowen Road at 10:15 a.m. and then return to the church to share memories. Joanne arranged the ceremony to be held one week ahead of the anniversary of her daughter’s disappearance, so it won’t conflict with the Canada Day holiday and more people can turnout. ◆ See ‘MOUNTIES’ /7


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