How does Local 867 leverage their retirees’ experience and knowledge to mentor and support active members? There must be a lot of wisdom in the group.

Agreed. We welcome and encourage our retirees to attend all General Membership meetings to not only remain active and engaged with the local, but to also provide historical context and pertinent history wherever possible. We are grateful and proud to utilize many retirees for our fantastic WFD Honour Guard. Although composed of both active & retired members, the lead organizers and longest-serving members are all much-valued retirees. Our Honour Guard provides invaluable services for the families of our fallen, bringing dignity and grace to their loved one's services. Regarding general engagement, the George Smith Memorial Luncheon we sponsor each fall is the largest annual gathering of 5 Platooners, attracting hundreds to the fully catered event. There also exist multiple monthly retiree breakfast groups that all are welcome to attend. The main/longest-running breakfast group is often attended by the UFFW President and some board members, to update on issues and to foster healthy discussion. This is advantageous to all parties as there is always a wealth of knowledge to draw from and no shortage of strong opinions in the room at these wonderful, yet simple traditions.

What benefits and support does Local 867 offer its retirees to ensure they remain engaged and supported after their service?

When members retire, they are "gifted" their first year of retiree dues; then, to stay in good standing they voluntarily pay $100 per year in dues. This entitles them to attend our many active member events such as our UFFW kids Christmas party, summer kids picnic, fishing derby, annual George Smith Memorial luncheon (October) and many other functions. Retirees in good standing are also afforded full UFFW WCB advocacy, representation and (if warranted) legal expertise on claims. This often includes things such as job-related hearing loss and hearing aid claims, job-related PTSD/mental health claims and assistance with our 19 presumptive legislated cancers. We also regularly email our retirees and advise of upcoming events such as retirement parties, funerals/illnesses, charitable functions we are supporting, volunteering opportunities and assistance with political campaigns. We really encourage and appreciate their involvement & assistance. Our "5 Platooners" remain a fantastic resource for us, and they like to stay involved. We are grateful and really believe that most enjoy remaining active members of our fire fighting family well after they have left the job.

What are some ways Local 867 helps its members maintain a healthy work-life balance, considering the demanding nature of their jobs?

UFFW has recently entered into a mental health, peer appreciation partnership with the Winnipeg football club. This not only provides year-round mental health messages shared by professional football players, which are mutually shared with UFFW social media, but it also allows members to nominate their peers in recognition of selfless acts, particularly regarding mental health wellness of each other. We are very proud of this partnership and feel strongly that giving the members the ability to nominate each other for the fantastic game day experience will only nurture and encourage supporting each other with mental health struggles. UFFW also routinely puts out updates and station memos. Often within our messaging, we encourage members to put their health and their families first. This may mean turning down lucrative overtime opportunities, requesting transfers to quieter stations or simply reaching out and talking to peers when facing some adversity.

How does Local 867 ensure its members receive training and development to stay at the forefront of fire fighting techniques and safety protocols?

Our labour/management committee and the city have developed a letter of understanding, allowing up to four apparatus off duty at a time (when the master calendar permits, without conflicting training or other departmental initiatives) for regular Fire Dynamics and various specialties training and recently have set fall dates for the IAFF Fire Ground Survival training to begin in Winnipeg. We fully support and appreciate the efforts of our Station Officers and Training Officers in the continued education and training of our members.

Can you talk about the resources you provide for your members’ well-being?

UFFW has always put an emphasis on mental health wellness. In 2015, after successful lobbying, Manitoba became the first province in the country to recognize PTSD as a job-related compensable injury through presumptive legislation. We also created and ran a series of information videos with our PTSD talk series on our website. Secondly, in 2020 we successfully negotiated a provision in our Collective Agreement where our members can receive funding assistance to attend the IAFF Center of Excellence or other IAFF recognized affiliates. More recently, we created a UFFW Mental Health Committee. The goals and objectives of this committee are to identify, engage and collaborate with subject matter experts with the objective of increasing the availability of mental health resources for active and retired UFFW members. UFFW is committed to one day having the ability to ensure that any member struggling will be able to access the right resources and return to a state of wellness as quickly as possible. We continue to collaborate with politicians from all levels of government, mental health professionals, and our most valuable peer support program towards providing a multilayered "net" for any members who may find themselves in need. We also support our station fitness initiatives. We are involved in the selection and purchase of cardio and weights/resistance equipment, support healthy meal choices and encourage daily station exercise.

Local 867 is known for its community-oriented membership. Can you share some of your group’s recent community outreach programs or initiatives?

In the field, we are proud to have supported our members working alongside community groups in encampments to provide fire safety and lifestyle risk reduction education to those living without permanent housing. In the community, we have worked alongside the Ukrainian Canadian Congress to assist Ukrainians fleeing from the war at home to settle in Winnipeg. We also continue to support many grassroots organizations such as Muscular Dystrophy Canada, Never Alone Cancer Foundation, Thrive Outreach Centre, CancerCare Manitoba, The Manitoba Motorcycle Ride For Dad, Parkinson Canada, Knox United Church, Habitat for Humanity, Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba, and on.

How have the challenges in Winnipeg changed over the years, and what are some of the new challenges Local 867 is facing or anticipates?

Our members are fighting fires on a level unprecedented per capita in Canada. The post-COVID era has left us with many people suffering from mental health issues we were not accustomed to seeing. The noticeable increase in opioid and methamphetamine drug use is leading to increases in violent and dangerous calls and assaults on our members as well.

What core values guide Local 867 as it serves the community, supports its members and honors its retirees?

UFFW's mission is to support and advocate for the men and women fire fighters of the Winnipeg Fire Department. We are active in every political and managerial arena to ensure our members' safety, health and well-being are at the forefront when decisions are made that affect us in the workplace. From tactics, equipment, training, staffing and legislation at all levels, we are involved to ensure our voices and priorities are heard. Our long and proud tradition of serving the citizens of Winnipeg began in 1882, and we certainly stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us.

FAQs Archive – IAFF Local 867 United Firefighters of Winnipeg, MB

July 12th, 2024
How does Local 867 leverage their retirees’ experience and knowledge to mentor and support active members? There must be a lot of wisdom in the group.
Read More
July 12th, 2024
What benefits and support does Local 867 offer its retirees to ensure they remain engaged and supported after their service?
Read More
July 12th, 2024
What are some ways Local 867 helps its members maintain a healthy work-life balance, considering the demanding nature of their jobs?
Read More
July 12th, 2024
How does Local 867 ensure its members receive training and development to stay at the forefront of fire fighting techniques and safety protocols?
Read More
July 12th, 2024
Can you talk about the resources you provide for your members’ well-being?
Read More
July 12th, 2024
Local 867 is known for its community-oriented membership. Can you share some of your group’s recent community outreach programs or initiatives?
Read More
July 12th, 2024
How have the challenges in Winnipeg changed over the years, and what are some of the new challenges Local 867 is facing or anticipates?
Read More
July 12th, 2024
What core values guide Local 867 as it serves the community, supports its members and honors its retirees?
Read More

FAQs

How does Local 867 leverage their retirees’ experience and knowledge to mentor and support active members? There must be a lot of wisdom in the group.

What benefits and support does Local 867 offer its retirees to ensure they remain engaged and supported after their service?

What are some ways Local 867 helps its members maintain a healthy work-life balance, considering the demanding nature of their jobs?

How does Local 867 ensure its members receive training and development to stay at the forefront of fire fighting techniques and safety protocols?

Can you talk about the resources you provide for your members’ well-being?

Local 867 is known for its community-oriented membership. Can you share some of your group’s recent community outreach programs or initiatives?

How have the challenges in Winnipeg changed over the years, and what are some of the new challenges Local 867 is facing or anticipates?

What core values guide Local 867 as it serves the community, supports its members and honors its retirees?

About

Contact

Menu

Links

Additonal Links