April 10 2024

Today’s announcement by the federal government on the wildfire season failed to recognize wildland firefighters, the first responders at the frontlines of wildfires which reached unprecedented levels last year and are predicted to continue their devastating impact in 2024.

While the announcement itself is a positive step, it regrettably overlooks the workers who protect communities during these disasters.  Wildland firefighters, also known as forest firefighters, are the workers who take enormous risks to protect communities affected by wildfires.

“It is disappointing that today’s announcement failed to include real improvements for wildland firefighters, who are unjustly excluded from being officially recognized as firefighters. This lack of recognition results in lesser protections and benefits, compared to other firefighters,” said Bert Blundon, President of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE). “We strongly urge the federal government to seize the earliest opportunity to correct the misclassification of these workers in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). It is a matter of fairness, safety, and respect for those who risk their lives to protect ours.”

In discussing NUPGE’s efforts to correct the exclusion of wildland firefighters from the category of firefighters, Blundon confirmed that the NUPGE had been engaging MPs from across the political spectrum and found there is widespread support for correcting this injustice. He also said the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) is supportive of including their fellow wildland firefighters in the classification.

Blundon stated: “The time to act is now, because it’s the right to do, but also for public safety as demand for these essential workers intensifies and recruitment challenges grow under the current working conditions.”