The IAFF says that the Lloydminster Fire Department joining their union could help resolve issues concerning the fire crews.
Earlier this week, Mayor Gerald Aalbers released a statement saying that the Lloydminster Fire Department had voted to join the International Association of Firefighters Local 5140, and that the City approved the move.
IAFFÂ 6th District Vice President Michael Hurley says the fire department had concerns about health and safety, and wanted a different means to address them.
“Overall safety issues, staffing issues, not knowing the number of staff that would show up at fire scenes. It’s pretty well laid out in the [National Fire Protection Association] standards for North America for what kind of staffing level they should have. They felt that those staffing levels were inconsistent, and not always what was needed to fight fires or mitigate emergency calls.”
Hurley adds the Union, the Fire Department and The City will be working on making sure the Fire Department is able to work effectively for the City, residents, and their own safety.
“We have to sit down and figure out first a collective agreement, and then hopefully the parties can work well together and come to an agreement that makes the employees feel like they are being looked after.”
Mayor Aalbers added in his statement that he will be looking forward to working with the IAFF in order to ensure the best interests for Lloydminster residents and employees.