The topic of fire fighter seniority was front and center at the regular Douro-Dummer council meeting of May 7. Councillor Tom Watt submitted a report requesting that council consider reinstating seniority for members of the Douro-Dummer Fire Department that were forced to take a leave as they did not take their COVID shots.
Watt told council that during COVID fire fighters were not terminated, but were simply not active, therefore they were still members of the fire department, they were just not actively attending calls.
Watt said that it was brought to his attention that a fire fighter that was inactive for the time period during COVID was not recognized for time served. As an example Watt said that if a person was 39 years on the squad and was unable to attend calls because he did not get COVID shots, that fire fighter returned and was still only credited with 39 years service, they didn’t get 40 years.
Watt said he is only speaking for himself when he said “We asked the fire fighters not to come to work. They didn’t say we want to take a week off or we want to take the month off or we want to go on vacation for eight months so we need a leave of absence. We told them if they didn’t get the first and second COVID shot they couldn’t participate...I personally don’t think that’s right.”
Watt said that he understands there was provincial and federal legislation, but said he believes they have to scrutinize this very carefully because the way he reads that legislation, it should only be instated if the employee asks for time off, not if they are forced to take the time off.
Councillor Ray Johnston said “I am totally, totally in support of it.” He went on to say what went on was a shame in Canada, Ontario and Douro. Johnston said we were told we had to take the shot or don’t go outside. He said he is in business and he had to be in people’s houses every day and he never missed a day.
“I was brainwashed to take the shot.” He said he took the first shot, then the second and had the side effect of not being able to move his arm for six months. Johnston claimed we were never told about the side effects of the shots.
Johnston supported Watt’s opinion that it was not the fire fighters decision to be set aside. He said they didn’t get paid for attending calls during that time period, but they should at least be recognized for their years of service by the township.
Councillor Adam Vervoort asked if staff had any insight on applicable information on federal or provincial regulations on years of service.
Acting CAO Martina Chait-Hartwig said that Fire Chief Chuck Pedersen would be best suited to answer the question, but he was on an emergency call and unablle to attend the council meeting.
Deputy mayor Harold Nelson told council he didn’t want to get into if this was legal or illegal, but if the municipality has told them to stay at home they are still considered an employee and he believes the municipality has obligations to give them their seniority.
Vervoort pointed out that the discussion is about the fire department and said “Call me crazy, but I think it might be appropriate to get a comment from the chief either in support or against.”
Vervoort went on to say that because other councillors have given comments on COVID and all the restrictions that were imposed he wanted to comment. He said he was sympathetic, but was disappointed in the fact that they are still sitting here today rehashing and looking in the rearview mirror when we should be moving forward.
Watt recapped by saying he understands there may be provincial or federal legislation, but in his opinion they can look after themselves. Watt said I am looking after our township and our people.
Councillor Watt moved that Douro-Dummer honour their volunteer fire fighters with having their seniority completely reinstated for the time they were off during COVID and any federal or provincial legislation will be observed, but the township will still recognize the years of service.
Councillor Johnston seconded the motion and added thanks for the firemen who came back.
Watt made a second motion that Pederson return to council with a report outlining federal and provincial legislation on this topic.
Both motions passed.
