On July 15, Labour Arbitrator Kevin Burkett released his arbitration ruling on a new four-year contract for Hamilton’s unionized firefighters.
The ruling is very balanced between what each side – the City and the firefighter’s association – sought.
Firefighters will receive pay increases near the expected inflation, placing firefighter pay near that of Hamilton’s police officers.
First-class firefighters will be paid $110,783 in 2023, $114,040 in 2024, $117,290 for 2025, and $120,632 in 2026.
There are some increases to benefits included in the contract.
Notably, Hamilton’s firefighters will be the first City of Hamilton employees to receive the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a paid holiday.