As wildfires across Ontario grow more intense and frequent, the demand for workers in Aviation and Forest Fire and Emergency Services has never been higher, yet wages are falling further and further behind. Pilots represented by OPSEU/SEFPO have resoundingly rejected an offer that would have made Ontario second to last in terms of wages for these dangerous and critical jobs.
Last year, as fires spread rapidly across Ontario and smoke filled the air across the province, public pressure mounted to address air quality and safety concerns. The Ford government announced that they would be purchasing 6 new water bomber planes, bringing the total number of provincial waterbombers to 15. However now, as fires rage in Northern Ontario, water bombers and MNR helicopters remain grounded because there are not enough pilots to fly them.
“The skilled pilots we need are not coming to work in Ontario or they are leaving to work in neighbouring provinces who offer fair compensation for this specialized and often dangerous work,” said Chris Eckert, OPSEU/SEFPO Chair of the OPS Unified Special Case Committee, representing water bomber pilots in Ontario.
The most recent offer from the Ford government to the pilots fighting fires in Ontario does nothing to address the real issues driving the recruitment and retention crisis. Instead of tackling the core problem – low wages – the government has chosen to hide behind their announcement of new planes, offering the appearance of investment with no substance.
“Right now, while fire season begins, there is at least one waterbomber currently sitting on a tarmac in Sault Ste. Marie because there aren’t enough maintenance technicians or pilots to service and operate the aircraft,” said Jake Rouse, OPSEU/SEFPO MERC Chair for the Ministry of Natural Resources. “This puts Ontarians at risk.”
Just weeks ago, crews in Northwestern Ontario worked tirelessly battling wildfires to save people’s homes and property, losing some in the process. All the while an aircraft sat unused, calling into question whether that grounded aircraft and a skilled crew could have made a difference.
OPSEU/SEFPO members rejected the offer because ultimately it failed to take the risk and severity of fire season – or the brave workers who fight these fires – seriously.
“The work these members do requires specialized skills, training, and a deep commitment to public safety. These pilots put their lives on the line to keep Ontarians safe – working long hours and flying in often dangerous conditions,” said OPSEU/SEFPO President JP Hornick. “OPSEU/SEFPO stands strongly with the pilots who rejected this insulting low-ball offer from the Ford government,”
“By rejecting this offer, pilots are telling the Ford government that they refuse to settle for a deal that fails to recruit and retain the skilled workforce needed to keep Ontarians safe and respond to the climate crisis.”