Premier David Eby will reportedly advocate for the reversal of the suspension of a Victoria firefighter, pushing for a reconsideration of the decision.
Last Friday, the firefighter who received a one-day suspension without pay for writing an open letter about safety concerns regarding first responders and Dowler Place met with Premier Eby.
In the meeting, the firefighter who was punished, Josh Montgomery, the Premier and President of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), Local 730, Jeremy Wilson discussed how to go about disputing the punishment with the City of Victoria.
The union says that Premier Eby has told the IAFF Union he will take the time to review the details raised in the letter—first responder safety and concerns about the new Dowler Place service hub.
They added Eby expressed empathy for Montgomery’s views.
Related:
- Frustrated Victoria mayor says she had no involvement in firefighter suspension
- Here’s the open letter to David Eby that got a Victoria firefighter suspended
Wilson told the Premier and Montgomery about the steps that have already been taken to dispute the suspension, which the union says Eby supported.
“The safety of the people of Victoria remains the highest priority of the members of the Victoria Firefighters Association,” said Wilson.
“We believe our members have the right to a safe workplace while in the station or while responding to emergencies.”
Following this first meeting between Wilson, Montgomery and Premier Eby a follow-up, in-person meeting will take place in the near future to further explore how the Premier may be able to intervene.
According to the Union, they reached out to the City of Victoria for a meeting, but the earliest available meeting date isn’t until September 13th.
Victoria Buzz reached out to the City for context as to why first available the date for a meeting isn’t for another two weeks, who specifically disciplined Montgomery and why he was punished for the open letter.
The City confirmed a meeting will be held on September 13th between Mayor Alto and the union.
They added that no additional information will be provided, as this is a personnel matter.
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