Vice President’s Message

In preparation for this article, as the newly elected Vice President of Local 3888, I took the time to reflect back to early 2020 and where we stand today. From the first part of 2020 to the current date, it has proven to be a harsh challenge, both personally and economically, for many Canadians and people around the globe. Many companies, large and small, faced mass unemployment and reduced hours, while local family businesses operating for generations within our communities permanently shuttered their doors. Even closer to home, my family had contracted the virus and members’ spouses and their immediate family members suffered the inconsolable loss of loved ones and friends, due to Covid-19. This health crisis has touched us all to the core.

During these unforeseen and unprecedented times, we should take a moment to recognize how fortunate we are. Our jobs are pay protected, benefits remain status quo, and we have managed to remain secure. This is the time to realize the value of a strong union such as ours. Although we worry about the health of our family and friends, we as union members have not had to experience the magnitude of financial hardship of countless others. Our union continues to protect jobs, improve wages through a strong bargaining process, and provide safe working conditions, by continuously improving health and safety standards. We are the “gold standard” that other unions strive toward by promoting and fostering the value of an inclusive and diverse workplace.

On a personal note, I retired from the board in July of 2019 after serving as an Executive Officer for ten and a half years. I returned to run in the 2021 election for the position of Vice President, Local 3888. Prior to the 2021 election, our then President of Local 3888, Frank Ramagnano accepted a position with the International Association of Fire Fighters, creating a vacancy for his position, as well as a vacancy for the Vice President. When I left the executive board in 2019, I felt my work was not over and I still had more to contribute to Local 3888, representing our members. In my heart, I never left my role with the union and always remained involved with the executive board. The timing was perfect.

As Vice President for over two months now, I have also been promoted to the rank of District Chief. I chose to remain an active fire fighter, which allows me to keep my finger on the pulse, to better serve and understand our members. Returning to the union as Vice President, I have had the pleasure of personally reconnecting with members, our current executive board and management. As mentioned to many, it was like moving back home.

Most importantly, and with gratitude, I would like to express a heartfelt thank you by acknowledging a few individuals who offered a significant level of mentorship and business acumen during my time as a union member and as a new Executive Officer in 2008. These key individuals took their time to share their experiences, knowledge and guidance during my learning curve years. Their legacy will continue as I plan to mentor our future Executive Officers with the same sage advice offered to me by the noted individuals.

Past Vice President Jim Reid, Local 626

Past President Scott Marks, Local 3888

Past President Ed Kennedy, Local 3888

Past President Frank Ramagnano,

Local 3888

Sadly, we lost Ed Kennedy in 2020. He was a true union leader and one of my closest friends. Ed’s contributions included years of union passion and dedication, leaving behind a long list of union accomplishments. He was instrumental to Local 3888, providing his knowledge, support and education to stewards, future executive officers and provincial leaders through the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association educational seminars. Ed’s passing has left a huge void. He will never be forgotten.

I would not want to conclude this article without the recognition of one of our past Executive Officers, Doug Erwin. Doug was a strong and aggressive advocate while on the board and he continues to provide his support, guidance and expertise. Doug is always a phone call away to share his knowledge of past practices and historical arbitrations. Thank you so much Doug. You are appreciated.

In closing, my personal vision is to provide the same caliber of mentorship to our future Executive Officers of Local 3888. This will involve succession planning and full membership involvement. Collectively, our objective as a union board is to protect all articles in the collective agreement while finding improvements for members of Local 3888. Our union remains strong and united with a progressive agenda to bring us into a strong and viable future. I look forward to any and all challenges to bring our Association into the next generation. Fraternally, John Maclachlan

John MacLachlan, Vice President Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association I.A.F.F. Local 3888