The Chicago Tribune recently published an article about the advancements in the new contract proposal for Chicago firefighters. According to the article, firefighters could see a total raise of 11% over the span of five years under the contract, which was approved by the City Council Workforce Development and Audit Committee earlier this week.
The agreement has already been supported by the firefighters and emergency medical personnel who are members of Firefighters Union Local 2, and it is expected to go before the full council for a vote next week. Alderwoman Michele Smith, representing the 43rd Ward, expressed her satisfaction with the proposed deal. She stated, "I can't think of anyone in America who wouldn't appreciate such a pay increase. This will significantly affect our city's financial situation positively. It's better to have a mutual agreement rather than dealing with strikes or similar disruptions."
Joseph Franczek, the city's external labor attorney, mentioned that firefighters could have potentially secured larger raises if the matter had proceeded to arbitration. However, as it stands, this is the smallest wage increase for firefighters since 1981. He commented, "I believe this is a very fair agreement." The contract is projected to cost the city an additional $80 million over its duration, which spans until June 2017. Covering approximately 4,645 firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and other emergency personnel, the city must allocate $27.6 million this year for back pay. These funds were previously allocated by the city, according to spokesperson Kelley Quinn.
Historically, negotiations with the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police have led the way for firefighter union discussions, but this time around, the process is inverted. Talks with the FOP are ongoing and may conclude later this autumn, according to Joseph Martinico, the city's top labor negotiator.
The contract also includes provisions to upgrade 15 basic life support ambulances to advanced life support units by the beginning of next year, increasing the daily count of these more capable vehicles to 75. Additionally, many firefighters trained as emergency medical technicians will receive slight boosts in their incentive pay, though new hires starting from January 1st onward will need to work longer before qualifying for these increments.
Retirees aged 55 to 60 who leave their jobs this year will be required to contribute 2% of their monthly retirement benefits toward health insurance costs until they reach Medicare eligibility. Currently, the city assumes full responsibility for these expenses.
There is a condition attached to the pay increases, tied to the unresolved issue of addressing the severely underfunded status of the city's police and firefighter pension systems. Should any new pension adjustments be implemented by the state that increase firefighter pension contributions beyond the current 9.125%, the union retains the right to renegotiate the contract terms regarding wages.
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