September 17th, 2014

Hello Brothers and Sisters,

We had 2 days with the Human Rights Tribunal Officer, yesterday and today with regards to Joslyne Rizza's grievance regarding her not going on a 24hour modified accommodation while she was pregnant. This case is just beginning, so please keep in mind that the executive board and everyone else involved cannot speak about this case while we visit at the halls or are at work. Please respect this and appreciate that this is something that we cannot talk around the fire hall freely. Thanks for understanding.

On another note, when we finished the meeting today, we were made aware that the City had posted for 6 Assistant Chief Positions in the Fire & Rescue division. This posting runs from September 18th to October 2, 2014. We were unaware that this was going to be posted today and we will be sending this posting to our Lawyer Howard Goldblatt immediately. Again Mr. Goldblatt is very knowledgeable and intelligent and we will get some very good advice and guidance from him. As everyone is aware, we have a grievance already in Arbitration for the 2nd Assistant Chief Position that the City created earlier in the year. Our board has not agreed with this, nor do we believe that the City could do this. Please keep in mind that we have a process that needs to be followed and we will do everything within our rights to protect our membership and our Collective Agreement at all times. Once again, please feel assured that we are doing everything possible for the best interest of our membership!

Angelo Gertsakis
WPFAA, Local 455 
President