Municipal officials in Tantramar aren’t providing specifics on how the findings of a recent workplace investigation will end the turmoil within Sackville Fire & Rescue, but they are confident the department is now on the road to recovery.
“We are grateful that this process has concluded,” stated Tantramar Mayor Debbie Wiggins-Colwell in a press release issued by the municipality on Friday, June 19.
“It has been a difficult time for Sackville Fire & Rescue and the entire community. Now, we can focus on recovery for Sackville Fire & Rescue and on maintaining a safe, respectful workplace while providing exceptional fire service to Tantramar residents.”
The press release – which provided an update on the workplace investigation that was launched earlier this year after 12 local firefighters turned in their pagers in an effort to bring attention to issues relating to management, workplace safety and harassment – stated that the final investigation report was received by the municipality on May 13. Following a review of those findings, administration, at the direction of council, has “taken appropriate administrative actions to resolve this matter.”
The release states that administration will now meet with the members who stepped away from duty to develop a return-to-work plan for members interested in returning to duty.
“The municipality recognizes this situation is of significant public interest. However, to respect privacy obligations and maintain the integrity of the personnel process, no further details will be released regarding HR processes,” the press release reads.
