The City of Sarnia and its firefighters have ratified a new four-year collective agreement.
The deal, approved by city council Monday, is retroactive to January 1, 2020 and expires December 31, 2023.
It includes benefit increases and a one per cent wage hike each year, valued at approximately $130,000 annually across the entire service.
Sarnia Fire and Rescue Services Chief Bryan Van Gaver is pleased.
"We have so many initiatives on the go right now, it is really nice to have something this major off our plate and concentrate on other things," said Van Gaver.
He said some cost savings in overtime, rescheduled holidays and shift transfers were realized.
The Sarnia Professional Firefighters Association (SPFFA) settled its last contract through arbitration after a three-year dispute.
Chief Van Gaver said they're very pleased to avoid arbitration.
"It always says a lot for both sides when you can mutually agree on a deal. Being able to go through the process of realizing what each side is looking for and be able to bend and come to a mutual agreement, you walk away from the table feeling a lot better," he said.
Sarnia employs just over 120 firefighters at five stations.
