Arbitrator Kevin Burkett recently issued his award concerning the Collective Agreement between the City of Cornwall and the Cornwall Professional Fire Fighters Association.

The Collective Agreement covers the period from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2012. The award issued by Arbitrator Burkett provides for wage increases of 3% in 2010, 3.25% in 2011 and 3.38% in 2012. The award also provided the Fire Fighters Association with a change in the rank structure that saw the classification of Lieutenant eliminated and the incumbents move to the rank of Captain and the Captains have their classification changed to that of Platoon Chief with their rate of pay amended to 117% and 124% of a First Class Firefighter respectively.

In addition to the above, minor changes were awarded to the Fire Association in the benefit package provided to the Firefighters.

Manager of Human Resources Dail Levesque said that the Fire Fighters Association and the City have concluded the negotiation process, reviewed the Arbitration Award and completed the compilation of the new Collective Agreement.