By: Lanny Stewart

myWestman.ca

The Brandon Firefighters and Paramedics Association have begun legal action towards the the city of Brandon regarding the recent suspension of its president Wade Ritchie.

The association has filed an unfair labour practice under the Manitoba Labour Relations Act on behalf of Ritchie.

Association spokesperson Alex Forrest says the suspension of Ritchie was done "solely to embarrass our president" and to intimidate a union at the beginning of contract negotiations. 

"This is not just the city of Brandon trying to intimidate 90 firefighters," said Forrest at a press conference Thursday in Brandon. "This is a city of Brandon trying to intimidate all 300,000 of our members and I am here today to say that we are going to be standing behind these tremendous firefighters and paramedics and whatever resources it takes, we will be going forward and supporting them."

The association says the suspension happened after a contract proposal between the union and the city and that it centred around an email Ritchie had sent to a city manager on Oct. 9.

"It was merely nine days ago that they exchanged proposals," said Forrest. "The union president (Ritchie) did what he was supposed to do. He conveyed the city proposals to his executive and for that reason, he was disciplined.

"He was disciplined for doing his job," he continued.

Forrest, as well as the International Association of Firefighters who were also in attendance at the press conference, say that in supporting the local union, it could take many years and could cost Brandon taxpayers "hundreds of thousands of dollars" in legal bills.

"I've been doing this for 15 years and I have seen this across Canada," said Forrest. "I don't believe I've ever seen an outrageous situation (like this) that has occurred in Brandon."

Ritchie -- who is currently suspended with pay -- was not made available to comment regarding the matter.

Forrest says the association is being very aggressive in their approach regarding the matter.

"There will be labour relations actions, there will be grievances and there may even be civil suits."

The association is attempting to call on mayor Shari Decter Hirst to rescind the suspension immediately.

In photo: Members of the Brandon Firefighters association along with spokesperson Alex Forrest (second to the left) at press conference in Brandon on Thursday. Photo by Lanny Stewart.