The International Association of Firefighters Local 1075 – which represents members in the St. John’s Regional Fire Department – says it’s very encouraged by a series of discussions held this week ahead of the release of the St. John’s city budget.
Last week there were indications that the city would be reducing the number of firefighters on shift from 39 to 37.
Union Local President Craig Smith says that would have a profound impact on front line operations and would result in the removal of one of their ladder trucks from service.
Smith says a series of discussions with city officials over the last few days have proven encouraging.
He says they made some progress thanks to Chief Sherry Colford bringing data to city officials to explain their position and for the openness of the city manager in assessing that information. Smith says they’re looking forward to issuing a joint release on Monday.