the Quebec Firefighters union, representing part-time firefighters in Saint-Charles-Borromée, is raising alarms over stalled negotiations with the city, which could jeopardize public safety. with over 1,200 emergency calls annually, the service currently lacks on-site firefighters between 10 PM and 6 AM, a stark contrast to neighboring communities like Joliette and Notre-Dame-des-Prairies, where full-time coverage has been standard for decades. union president Philippe Fafard emphasizes the urgent need for transparency and action from local officials, especially after the city administration reversed its commitment to establish a full-time internal guard at the fire station. As pressure mounts, the union has unanimously voted for potential action to address these critical safety concerns.
Title: Urgent discussions on Firefighter Safety in Saint-Charles-Borromée: An Interview with Union President Philippe Fafard
Q: Thank you for joining us, Philippe Fafard. The issue of stalled negotiations between the firefighters’ union and the city is evidently critical. Can you explain the core of the current situation?
A: Thank you for having me. Our negotiations with the city have reached an impasse, which is alarming given our responsibility to protect the public. Currently, we receive over 1,200 emergency calls annually, yet we lack on-site firefighters between the hours of 10 PM and 6 AM. In contrast,neighboring communities like Joliette and Notre-Dame-des-Prairies have maintained full-time coverage for decades,which is essential for rapid response during emergencies.
Q: What ramifications dose this lack of staffing have on public safety?
A: The absence of on-site firefighters during the night increases the response time to emergencies considerably. In life-threatening situations, every second counts. the risk of severe outcomes rises when help is delayed, not to mention the potential for property damage that could escalate into a greater disaster. The citizens of Saint-Charles-Borromée deserve the same level of service that is standard in nearby areas.
Q: You mentioned transparency is a key concern. What specific actions do you believe the city management should take?
A: Absolutely. First and foremost, we need clear dialogue about the city’s intentions moving forward. Initially, there was a commitment to establish a full-time internal guard at the fire station, which has been retracted. We urge local officials to prioritize these discussions and be clear about their plans. Engaging the public through regular updates about negotiations and decision-making processes is essential.
Q: Given the current circumstances, what steps is the union considering to advocate for your cause?
A: We have unanimously voted for potential action, which could include various forms of advocacy, such as public demonstrations and community outreach to raise awareness about these critical safety issues. Our primary goal is to ensure that the city understands the gravity of the situation and feels the pressure to restore adequate fire protection for our residents.
Q: What message do you wont to convey to the citizens of Saint-Charles-Borromée?
A: I want the community to know that their safety is our top priority. We are fighting for a system that allows us to serve them effectively, especially during the late-night hours when risks may be heightened. We appreciate their support and encourage them to voice their concerns to local officials—an engaged community can compel the needed changes.
Q: how can the public stay informed and involved as this situation develops?
A: We will keep our website and social media platforms updated with the latest developments. Additionally, we plan to host community meetings where residents can learn more about the negotiations and express their opinions. Staying engaged will allow the public to play an active role in advocating for their safety.
Target Keywords: Saint-charles-Borromée firefighters, public safety, emergency calls, labor negotiations, full-time firefighters, community involvement, firefighter union.