North Cowichan and CUPE 358-9 ratify three-year firefighter collective agreement

The Municipality of North Cowichan and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 358-9, representing municipal paid on-call firefighters, have successfully ratified a new three-year collective agreement.

The agreement includes a general wage increase of five percent in each of the three years, matching the increase in the 2025-2027 collective agreement with municipal staff.

"This agreement reflects our commitment to supporting the important services North Cowichan's paid on-call firefighters provide to the community," said Mayor Rob Douglas.

"CUPE 358-9 members are proud to serve the Municipality of North Cowichan and the community," said CUPE Local 358 President Kirsten Boyden. "We look forward to maintaining our strong partnership with North Cowichan as our members continue to provide the reliable, high-quality fire protection and emergency response services our residents depend on."

The agreement covers the more than 110 municipal paid on-call firefighters who respond to emergencies such as fires, motor vehicle incidents, and medical emergencies from four fire halls - South End, Maple Bay, Crofton, and Chemainus.