Winnipeg firefighters union says the city’s 2026 staffing plan won’t ease strain, while officials call it an important first step to address growing pressures.
Winnipeg Fire Union Says 2026 Staffing Plan Falls Short
Rising Concerns From Frontline Firefighters
The United Firefighters of Winnipeg says the city’s newly proposed staffing plan for 2026 will not meaningfully reduce strain on the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service. The union raised objections Friday after the city released its preliminary budget outlining gradual staffing increases through a resource-pool model.
Details of the City’s New Staffing Strategy
The plan would introduce 10 full-time firefighter equivalents each year, reaching 40 by 2029. These firefighters would not be stationed permanently at a hall but would rotate across the service to fill absences, support training schedules, and lessen overtime reliance—an approach the city says will improve flexibility.
Union Criticism of Limited Staffing Additions
Union vice-president TJ Belluk argued the measure is far too modest to offset ongoing shortages. He said the department needs 30 to 40 new hires annually to significantly reduce overtime, warning that the proposed additions “aren’t going to move the needle much, if at all.” Belluk said the department will continue to face staffing gaps and rising overtime demands under the current approach.
Worsening Budget and Workforce Pressures
The debate comes as the city’s finance committee approved a $3-million over-expenditure for the 2025 fire-paramedic operating budget. A report to the committee cited a surge in Workers Compensation Board claims, increased medical-related costs, and mounting staff absences—all of which require more overtime to maintain required shift strength.
City Officials Cite Mental Health and Workload Strain
Finance committee chair Jeff Browaty said the service continues to face elevated injury claims and short-term illnesses tied to the demands of emergency work. He noted that the city hired provincially funded firefighters in recent years but said it did not meaningfully reduce overtime pressures. Browaty emphasized that the resource-pool model was recommended by the fire department itself.
Mayor Defends Plan as First Step Forward
Mayor Scott Gillingham acknowledged the plan will not solve every staffing challenge but called it an important measure to give the fire chief more flexibility. He said increasing call volumes and the traumatic nature of frontline emergencies have affected workers’ physical and mental health, making additional resources essential.
Wellness Supports Included in the Budget
The preliminary budget also proposes a new wellness clinic for fire-paramedic staff, staffed by nine full-time positions focusing on both physical and mental health. Another 11.5 full-time community paramedic support roles would be added through Shared Health funding. While details of the clinic have not yet been released, union leaders say any strengthened mental-health support would be positive for members.
