The pay already agreed to in the labor contract isn’t enough to keep a full contingent of fire fighters in Ottawa. City Hall has worked out a deal with the union to offer bonuses. Mayor Dan Aussem says each fire fighter who signs on or stays on will get $9,200.
The bonus is a one-time thing that’s not part of the pay subject to pension rules. It’s a sure sign though that fire fighters will be at ease asking for more in upcoming labor negotiations. Aussem says the job market favors the fire fighters so much that some suburban departments with more money to offer are getting Ottawa’s new hires before they finish training.
The City Council placed the agreement for bonus payments on file last night. It can be voted on at a later meeting.