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Date:                July 29, 2010 To:                   All Members of Local 867 From:               UFFW Union Office Re:                  Volunteer Kickoff for Mayor Katz Astounding Success Winnipeg Fire Fighters showed up in large numbers for the Sam Katz Volunteer Kickoff, in fact  Fire Fighters represented 50% of the volunteers that participated and this made a tremendous statement across the City. There is no other organization that can bring the numbers to a political campaign that Fire Fighters do.  It was also an honour that UFFW President and IAFF Canadian Trustee, Alex Forrest was asked to and speak to the large contingent of volunteers and also to introduce Mayor Katz All members of the Executive would like to thank the membership for their support and we hope that we can have an increase in the number of Fire Fighter volunteers for Mayor Katz  leading up to the October 27th election. Again, if any members would like to add their names to the volunteer list please contact any Executive. .......................................................................................................

Date:                June 23, 2010 To:                   All members Local 867 From:               Derek Balcaen, PCP representative Re:                   PCP CTAS Record Keeping The importance of our Firefighter-PCP’s involvement in the CTAS trial was recently discussed at a medical advisory meeting.  Dr Grierson, our medical director, reiterated the need to have a minimum of 95% of our patient reports to have the CTAS completed properly in order for this trial to be considered valid. This number is currently closer to 65%. Once this number is achieved, the goal is to be able to be able to free up crews at code 3 scenes. We believe this will result in positive change for our members. In consultation with President Forrest and Dr Grierson, we are asking all of our firefighter PCP’s to personally complete their own EPCR’s, with the CTAS properly included, on every call.  If you have any questions feel free to contact me (8 Station 3 Platoon, Cell Phone 294-6784) or your medical supervisor for CTAS completion specific questions.

City on pace for record year for fires, damage Toll from three recent major blazes hits $16 million By: Gabrielle Giroday 26/05/2010 1:00 AM BORIS.MINKEVICH@FREEPRESS.MB.CA There has already been about $16 million in fire damage from three major blazes this month alone, including $10 million in dam­age last week to a fire at a storage facility behind Burron Lumber Roofing Supplies. WINNIPEGGERS may be looking at a record for the number of blazes and amount of fire damage this year, following a busy spring. Alex Forrest, United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg president, said city firefighters usually deal with about 3,000 fires per year, but that number could rise to 4,000 by the end of 2010. Firefighters’ union president Alex Forrest: ‘We could be hitting $100 million of damage.’ (MIKE APORIUS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS ARCHIVES) What's the damage? Number of fires in Winnipeg, and their cost *Preliminary information -- Source: Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner 1998: 3,901 fires ($22.9 million damage) 1999: 3,656 ($32.3 million damage) 2000: 2,967 ($30.3 million damage) 2001: 3,082 ($25 million damage) 2002: 3,131 ($26.3 million damage) 2003: 3,583 ($37.3 million damage) 2004: 3,351 ($39.3 million damage) 2005: 3,471 ($40.8 million damage) 2006: 3,876 ($47.1 million damage) 2007: 3,459 ($47 million damage) 2008: 3,212 ($49.1 million damage) 2009: 2,634 ($43 million damage)*   "We could have a record year for fires and fire damage," he said. "We could be hitting $100 million of damage (this year)," said Forrest, compared with the $49.1 million the city suffered in 2008. A perfect storm of factors like arson, grass fires and major blazes could bolster the numbers this year, Forrest said. "Arson has always been bad, but when combined with the huge fire damage and combined with the grass fires, everything's come to bear," he said. There has already been about $16 million in fire damage from three major blazes this month alone. That includes $10 million in damage last week to Burron Lumber Roofing Supplies and $5 million in damage this week to Canadian Fleet Services, a trucking company on Oak Point Highway. The causes remain under investigation. Police announced last week they'd arrested a 15-year-old boy and charged him with arson in connection with a $1-million fire at the Elmwood Day Nursery on May 9. The fire commissioner's office reports that from January to May 25 last year, there were 1,133 fires in Winnipeg causing $28.8 million in property damage. There have been 1,246 fires in the same period this year. The value of fire damage so far in 2010 has not been tabulated. Forrest said with more fires comes more risk of injury and death for firefighters and the public. Newer buildings can be "torches" for firefighters because they burn more quickly than older structures, he said, and they cause unique challenges for those battling the blaze. "You're seeing (a) higher level of fire damage in newer businesses and newer houses," he said. "They burn much quicker, they burn more intensely." Ken Sim, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service's deputy chief of operations, said in his 35-year career he can't recall so much damage in such a short time span as the three recent major fires. Sim said there's also been a jump in garbage bin fires this spring. Arsons make up the bulk of the city's blazes, according to the fire commissioner's office. In 2008 -- the most recent year arson statistics were available -- 1,452 of 3,212 city fires (45 per cent) were arson. Chris Jones, the province's fire commissioner, said the number of fires caused by arson is declining in the city but rising in rural areas. There have been recent campaigns in rural areas like Long Plain First Nation and the Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie to reduce arson. In April, both city and rural crews were kept hopping by grass fires. "It's been an extremely dry season," Jones said.

Winnipeg fires setting record pace: union By PAUL TURENNE, Winnipeg Sun Last Updated: May 25, 2010 4:28pm Winnipeg appears to be on pace for a high-water year in both the number of fires and the amount of damage they cause. Ken Sim, deputy chief of operations with the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, said Tuesday that the city has seen 1,259 fires since Jan. 1. That's a 21% increase compared with the same period of 2009. "There's no question about it, that's a pretty abnormal spike," Sim said. "Coupled with the major fires we've had, it's definitely on line to be a pretty significant year for fires." An average year for Winnipeg would see 3,200 to 3,300 fires over 12 months, with a few particularly bad years rising as high as 3,600 or 3,800, he said. "There's been a couple of occasions (this year) where we've been taxed but our service is coping very well," Sim said. Alex Forrest, president of United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg, said recent commercial fires, like the $10 million one last week at Burron Lumber in St. Boniface, have hiked damages due to the value of property they destroyed. "Our fire damage has to be close to $25 million to $30 million already. That's more than some full years," he said. Forrest said the increase in the number of fires can be partly explained by a warm, dry spring that brought about a spike in grass fires, as well as fire bug arsonists, whom Forrest said prefer to act in warmer weather. Sim agreed, but said the city is unsure whether there's some larger trend emerging. "We haven't been able to put a pencil down and say 'this is what's going on here,'" Sim said. Forrest also noted that earlier in the year there were several fires at homes in newer parts of town, where he said building techniques meant to save money turn houses into "firetraps." "They're literally torches. That's because we've gone from wood-based construction to glue and plastic because it's more economical," he said. "This causes fires to burn more intensely and it burns quicker." Forrest said the union has been lobbying Ottawa to change the federal building codes to address the problem. Sim said the WFPS will be releasing public service announcements and other preventative messaging to try to reduce the number of blazes over the busy summer season and the balance of the year. The service's arson squad will also be "working in neighbourhoods of concern and generally being more vigilant," he said.

Date:                May 4, 2010 To:                   All Members of Local 867 From                Alex Forrest, President, United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg Re:                  The Passing of Councillor Bill Clement On behalf of the fifteen hundred members of the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg, I would like to express our condolences to the family of Councillor Bill Clement.  UFFW has worked with Councillor Clement continuously throughout his career and although we did not agree on all issues, we cannot emphasize enough how much respect we had for this councillor.  He always put forward his position clearly, honestly and without political agenda.  We know how integral Councillor Clement was to the running of so many administrations throughout the years.  The Citizens of Winnipeg and the Fire Fighters of Winnipeg have lost a strong leader.

Never Alone Foundation Fundraiser On April 28th, members of United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg attended a charity poker event put on by the Never Alone Foundation to raise money for the Health Science Centre GD6 (Acute Leukemia / Blood & Marrow Transplant / Oncology) Unit.  Funds raised will go towards refurbishing and upgrading the unit to create a warmer environment for healing.  UFFW members Chad Swayze and Robert Campbell presented the Never Alone Foundation a cheque for over $13,000 which was raised at last year’s Fire Fighter Banquet and Ball. This second annual poker event was hosted this year by Lyle Bauer and Milt Stegall with many other local celebrities in attendance.  With hopes of a final table appearance for the second year in a row, Rob Labossiere was the last of the UFFW members to be eliminated in about 35th place of the 300 who started in the tournament.  Trying to keep with the classiness of this event, all members of UFFW dressed in tuxedos to bring the excitement to the next level.  These great tuxedos were graciously donated by Moores Clothing for Men. Members of the United Fire Fighters helped to usher during this event along with the Bomber’s Blue Lightning .  Thank you to Dalain Gagner, Kelly Cook, Darrel Maynard and Dan Michalchuk for being the ushers.  You guys did a great job. Chad Swayze Welfare Committee Chair View Pics

Haitian Relief Effort On behalf of the United Firefighters of Winnipeg, I would like to thank all those who participated in the Haitian Relief Fundraiser.  Due to our fundraising efforts, and the generosity of the people of Manitoba, the Canadian Red Cross was able to contribute $54,292.22 to the Haitian Relief Effort.  A big thank you to all 26 Fire Stations for your help and support.  The Canadian Red Cross, Manitoba Regional Office, is extremely pleased with our efforts.  Fraternally, Robert Campbell Welfare Secretary

Grass fires at record high: union By Winnipeg Sun Last Updated: April 23, 2010 9:02am   A Winnipeg firefighters' union says warm weather is fuelling a record number of grass fires. The United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg says crews have battled more than 50 grass and/or bush fires in the last few days. The union says they often fight fewer less than 50 of these blazes over an entire year. Abnormally warm conditions that sent temperatures soaring to around 10 degrees above normal on many days this spring are blamed for creating dry and dangerous conditions. The union says no major injuries or property damage have been caused by the blazes so far but calls the situation "critical" because grass fires tend to be quite dangerous to fight.

Winnipeg Fire Department Fighting Grass/Bush Fires at Record Levels   The Danger is Becoming Critical!   Winnipeg Firefighters have fought more than fifty (50) grass/bush fires in the last few days.  Many years we do not fight fifty grass/bush fires in a year. With the warm temperatures comes an increase in all types of fires as well. Grass fires are some of the most dangerous and work intensive fires that a firefighter can fight. As of today, April 23rd, we have not had any major property loss or injuries due to these fires but we need the public’s help to minimize them.  The United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg and the Winnipeg Fire Department are working together to alert the public of this danger.

Date:            April 6, 2010 To:              All Members of Local 867 From:           Alex Forrest, President Re:              24-Hour Shift As per Membership Direction I have appointed an ad hoc committee to investigate Alternate Shift Schedules such as the 24-hour Shift. As you can see in the following “Terms of Reference” this issue is in its infancy and we are merely gathering information on the issue at this time. Once the Committee has completed its work a full presentation will be given to the membership We realize that this issue has members strongly both for and against this issue and as such we will do our best to provide all information to the membership. The Executive encourages members with specific concerns of questions to forward these in writing to UFFW by letter to 303-83 Garry Street, R3C 4J9 or email uffw@mts.net.  The committee will look to address all submissions in our report. Alternate Shift Committee   Russ Morrow                                                               Chair Greg O’Halloran Rob Campbell Jim Hemphill Chad Swayze One more Senior Captain to be named later Alex Forrest                                                                 Ex Officio   Introduction The majority of American Fire Departments currently use the 24-hour shift.  Many of these departments use a 3 Platoon system, which equates to 48 or 56-hour work weeks In Canada many Fire Departments use the 10 – 14 hour shift schedule but recently, within the Province of Ontario, we see a movement towards the 24-hour shift schedule.  This is largely due to the commute times of Fire Fighters going to and from work. Here in the west the 24-hour shift has not been widely embraced to date, however, because a large number of Fire Fighters expressed an interest in the 24-hour shift Fire Departments in Western Canada are currently investigating its feasibility.  Winnipeg is no different. In a recent poll the majority of Winnipeg Fire Department Fire Fighters who responded said they would at least like to look at the feasibility of the new shift schedule.  Therefore, at a recent General Membership meeting, a motion was put forward to create a committee to look at the feasibility of alternate shift schedules. Terms of Reference 1.                  The Committee will report in draft to the Executive and a final report will be presented to the Membership at a General Membership Meeting.  This report will be used as a basis of an Executive Recommendation on this issue. 2.                  The Committee will investigate all types of shifts currently being used by Canadian and American Fire Departments, including, but not limited to a.      3 Platoon, 24-Hour shift schedules b.      4 Platoon, 24-Hour shift schedules c.      4 Platoon, 2-10 Hour days followed by 2-14 Hour night shifts and any deviations of this shift schedule      3.                  Look at the advantages and disadvantages of a 24-hour shift schedule compared to 10-14 hourshifts. 4.                  Compare and contrast various 24 hour shift options 5.                  Analyze current Winnipeg Fire Department Shift Schedule – advantages and disadvantages 6.                  Investigate current reports on 24-hour shifts, including Toronto, Saskatoon and Edmonton. 7.                  The effects of a 24-hour shift on all Fire Halls experiencing both high and low call volume. 8.                  The effects of a Fire Department involved in Paramedic Response (high call volume) 9.                  The Committee will look at our Collective Agreement and ascertain what would need to be changed in order to move to a 24-hour shift.  They will also look at the possible negative consequences of these changes.

Date:            April 1, 2010 To:              All Members of Local 867 From:           Alex Forrest, President Re:               New Wage Rate and Backpay By now all members should have received the wage increase and a small amount of backpay. We are all very proud of the new contract and I would like to thank the membership for their support.  I would also like to thank the Executive for their hard work over the last year that let to us arriving at this momentous deal. We would like to thank Mayor Sam Katz for his support in achieving a fair and reasonable wage package for 2010 and 2011. This is the first time in over 40 years that the union has negotiated a contract before the old contract expired.

Date:                March 2, 2010 To:                   All Media From:               United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg Re:                  Alex Forrest Acclaimed for 7th Term as President of UFFW The United Firefighters of Winnipeg is proud to announce that Alex Forrest has been acclaimed as President for a 7th term. The United Firefighters of Winnipeg represents all Firefighters, Firefighter Paramedics, Fire Prevention Officers, Training Academy Instructors, Emergency Mechanics and Public Education Personnel, including all Senior Operational Officers, in the Winnipeg Fire Department.  The total membership of UFFW is approximately1500.  Alex Forrest is the longest serving Civic Union President in the City of Winnipeg.  He is also a full time firefighter with twenty-one years experience in the Winnipeg Fire Department, currently stationed at hall #1 in downtown Winnipeg.  He has a law degree and was called to the Manitoba Bar in 1996.  Alex Forrest is Canadian Trustee for the International Association of Fire Fighters and as such represents all Fire Fighter and Paramedics in Canada who are members of the I.A.F.F.  He is also Vice-President, Prairie Region for the Canadian Fallen Fire Fighter Foundation and is the Chair of the Manitoba Fallen Fire Fighter Foundation.

Date:                March 2, 2010 To:                   All Members of Local 867 From:               Rob Labossiere, Secretary Re:                  Election Results The following are the results of the 2010 Election for the Executive Board: President                    Alex Forrest                                    Acclaimed Treasurer                   Alan Gray                                        Acclaimed Board Members                                                                                                             Bruce Duncan                                 Acclaimed                                     Tom Bilous                                     Acclaimed Since all positions were filled by acclamation there will be no election for the Executive Board for 2010.

Date:                February 25, 2010 To:                   All Members of Local 867 From:               Alex Forrest, President, Chair Negotiating Committee. Re:                  UFFW 2010-2011 Wage Package Ratified We are Proud to announce that Winnipeg City Council has ratified our tentative Wage Agreement for 2010-2011.  We thank Mayor Katz for taking a leadership role in helping us to negotiate a fair and reasonable wage increase for the firefighters of Winnipeg.

Date:                February 16, 2010 To:                   All Members of Local 867 From:               Alex Forrest, President Re:                  UFFW Member Keith Grant Please read the following Grant Family Update by Executive Board Member Jim Hemphill. I hope that you will consider assisting Keith and his family at this difficult time. This is a very trying time for Keith Grant and his family.  We are all with Keith during this difficult time.  Please see the following for ways that you can help. Keith Grant Family Update The Grants, Kim, Keith and daughters Karalee, Kelsey and son Kyle just passed the 5 year mark in their ongoing battle against Karalee’s' cancer. Karalee continues treatment in an effort to keep the cancer from advancing. On February 19th, 2010 Karalee will have the great honor of being the Canadian Cancer Society’s 2010 Recipient of their Medal of Courage.  This is being awarded to her for her strength and perseverance.  This is an award the whole family shares in. Kim has taken a 6-month leave of absence and, along with Keith, continues the fight to keep their family intact. The 2010 holiday schedule is out and we (WFD and U.F.F.W.) are once again asking the brothers and sisters to give up a portion (2 days/nights or a tour) of their holidays to allow Keith the time off to assist his family in their time of need. This process remains the same as before. Just fill out a F14 with the date/dates you are willing to give up, and then contact Becky in the Duty Office to get yourself added to the Master List. Please help us help the Grants. If everybody gives a little it will help the Grants a whole lot.