The city of Coquitlam and the firefighters' union have agreed to a two-year retroactive labour contract that would see a 5.5% wage increase for workers in 2010 and 2011.
Because the wage hikes were anticipated by staff, the city had set aside funds in anticipation of the settlement, meaning no additional funding is required.
"The increases are consistent with wages negotiated in other municipalities and provide our employees with the security of having a signed agreement," said Coquitlam fire chief Tony Delmonico in a press release. "The protection of our community with skilled fire crews is of paramount importance to our citizens."
The agreement is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2010 and was in effect until Dec. 31, 2011. Negotiations on the 2012 contract have not been scheduled.
There are 157 members in the Coquitlam Firefighters Union Local 1782 of the International Association of Firefighters.
