City and Guelph firefighters’ union go to mediation

Guelph, Ont., January 22, 2016 – The City and the Guelph Professional Firefighters’ Association (GPFFA) will take part in mediated contract negotiations on January 26.

The Ministry of Labour’s (MOL) mediation process follows conciliation and precedes interest arbitration. The MOL mediator will work with both the City and GPFFA in an effort to move collective bargaining forward to reach a freely negotiated contract.

“Although our participation in the arbitration process is imminent, we remain optimistic that a contract that’s fair to our firefighters and affordable for our community can be reached outside of arbitration,” said David Godwaldt, the City’s general manager of Human Resources. “One day of mediated discussion could make the difference.”

The interest arbitration date previously set for March 10 will change due to a scheduling conflict. Once confirmed, the new date will be announced.

Negotiation updates and information about interest arbitration are posted on guelph.ca/gpffa.