SECRETARY-TREASURER’S MESSAGE
D
eciding what to write in these articles is no easy task. I try to think of what people would like to hear about; a peek behind the curtain perhaps. I think about conversations I have had with members, things that may have surprised them. I consider current issues. Those are often long forgotten when the magazine is published. Lately, it has been one critical issue after another. Luckily, I can bring you all of these things in one article. It was a Saturday in the middle of October last year. A “Special Executive Board Meeting” to deal with issues surrounding both the Captain’s and District Chief’s promotional processes had been called. The Captain’s process was discussed first. Executive Members that had competed were not allowed into the room. That group stayed in an office at the other end of the building. Everyone remaining in the board room was fully aware that the decisions that we would make that day could have far-reaching consequences to individuals within the process. The Promotional Review Committee had several recommendations to consider. As well, there were several other options brought forward in the meeting. A lively debate took place. Each of us taking turns having our say, arguing the merits of the proposal we supported. It was clear that nothing could fix the problem. What we were looking for at this point was a solution that had the least negative impact. It took a long time to hash out all of the options, but in the end, we agreed on what we would bring forward to management. It was then time to deal with the District Chief’s Process. Again, several Board Members had to leave the room, and those who had competed in the Captain’s process came back in. They presented and debated ideas. The pros and cons were evaluated. That group knew that the task at hand could have significant pension implications for those involved. They reached an agreement
after a lengthy discussion. These would be the proposals that we took to management for consideration. As the next few weeks went on, we saw the implications of our decisions play out. Other issues arose based on the earlier decisions we had made. People were re-writing exams; others placed into temporary acting positions. Each change to the process created its own issues. In March of this year, a by-election took There were no right answers to the proplace in South Command. Five members motional issues, but we did the best we stepped up to run for the vacant position. could. The same is true with COVID-19. That was more than ran in the entire We don’t yet know if our decisions were 2019 Executive Board Election. the best or not. What I can assure you I assumed that people recognized is that the group makes the decisions; the significance of the decisions that the everyone gets an opportunity to make an Executive Board had been making. Then argument. we received the results, less than a 30% Perhaps I have given you that peek return rate. I have to admit to being very behind the curtain. A look at the types surprised. After what we had just been of issues we deal with, and how, I hope through, and are still dealing with in the for several things a year from now as promotional situation, only 30% voted. we approach our next Executive Board I spoke to many of the candidates after- Election. I hope those of you who have wards. Of course, no one wants to lose, been active in this Association consider but the most important thing for each of running. Stewards and Committee memthem was the low turn-out. bers from the floor, take every opportunToday we find ourselves amid the ity to learn and prepare yourself to seek COVID-19 Pandemic, likely the most election. Don’t be afraid to lose. Get your challenging time many of us have ex- name out there and get experience runperienced. The Association has been ning in an election. Campaign and listen involved since the beginning. We have to the membership. But the most importtried to ensure the highest level of com- ant thing that I can ask is that you vote munication, and even created a COVID- when the time comes. Remember what 19 Committee, making adjustments to the Executive deals with, problems that our other committees. We regularly have can affect your rank, pay, pension and break-out groups that work on specific benefits. You get to decide who is in the items to bring to management, to better room, making those decisions. We have the working conditions of our members. been through some trying times, and I The Board currently has a conference am proud to have been a part of the curcall every weekday and, if necessary, on rent Executive Board that has performed the weekend. We are regularly making exceptionally. It is never too soon to start difficult and important decisions on your planning for the future. behalf. Throughout the Promotional Review Process and the COVID-19 Pandemic, members have both praised and criticized our response. Generally, when people James Reed, Secretary-Treasurer on both sides are unhappy, you know Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association you have reached a fair compromise. I.A.F.F. Local 3888
Vo l u m e 1 4 | I s s u e 2 | F I R E WAT CH
7
