209 members are concerned. According to Spearman, the agreement also includes a training allowance, a reduction in the start-up rate for communication center employees, and efforts to use more gender-neutral language in the collective agreement to make it more inclusive for female employees. LETHBRIDGE – After two years of negotiations, City Council has now ratified a new four-year collective agreement with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 237. Posted by Veronica Silva Cusi, press correspondent Source: lethbridgenewsnow.com “I congratulate the parties on both sides for being constructive in collective bargaining and reaching an agreement that ensures stability for four years. They are our first responders and firefighters, and it is great for the community and our city that we have reached an agreement. The agreement provides for wage increases of 2.3% retroactive to January 1. In 2017 and increases of two percent per year in 2018, 2019 and 2020. IAFF members ratified the agreement on 18 September. Lethbridge Mayor Chris Spearman says he`s glad they`re “ahead of the game.” .