CITY HALL — After 4 years of contract negotiations, the Chicago Fireplace Division Union Native 2 has reached a tentative settlement with Mayor Brandon Johnson’s workplace.
Chicago firefighters and paramedics have been working with out a contract or pay raises since 2021. If authorized, the proposed contract would come with lots of of hundreds of thousands in again pay that Johnson stated has already been budgeted.
“I’m grateful to my group in addition to Native 2 for staying on the desk and dealing tirelessly to return to an settlement, tentatively, that meets the expectations and requirements of working folks on this metropolis,” Johnson stated throughout a Tuesday morning press convention.
Firefighter union president Pat Cleary stated the proposed settlement contains raises much like the contract settlement reached in 2023 with the police union that gave officers 5 p.c raises in 2024 and 2025.
Cleary will current the settlement to union members throughout two conferences held on the finish of the month. After the conferences, union members will vote on the settlement. If the tentative settlement is authorized by the union, it should go to the Metropolis Council for a last vote.
Contract negotiations grew tense throughout the previous 4 years, which has included a protest by the firefighters union through the Democratic Nationwide Conference and the group rallying alongside the Chicago Lecturers Union.
In Might, the union and the mayor’s workplace entered a course of known as curiosity arbitration which was lead by a mediator, as reported by the Solar-Instances. Cleary stated the mediator “performed referee” and helped moved negotiations alongside.
Sticking factors have included the union’s demand for 20 further ambulances — which might convey town as much as 100 — a greater system for phasing out getting old rigs and guaranteeing the minimal staffing for all vehicles and fireplace engines doesn’t dip beneath 5 firefighters.
Presently, as much as 35 engines or vehicles will be staffed with simply 4 firefighters, however Cleary stated Johnson proposed doubling the variety of vehicles that may be staffed with 4, bringing the whole to 70.
Cleary stated he couldn’t converse on the main points of the tentative settlement till it has been authorized, however stated he feels good about the place the union and the mayor’s workplace landed. He stated that the minimal staffing necessities for vehicles and engines is not going to change underneath the present proposal. Cleary additionally famous that in Might, state lawmakers handed laws requiring town to make use of 10 p.c of its ambulance income on equipment purchases and upkeep to make sure outdated rigs are repaired and changed extra usually.
Cleary stated he couldn’t touch upon the standing of the 20 further ambulances, however stated he “didn’t like what occurred.” Cleary additionally stated he was annoyed with how lengthy contract negations took.
“Chicago firefighters and paramedics are working arduous on daily basis, in all climate circumstances and so they deserve pay raises and to work in protected circumstances,” he stated.
The following scheduled Chicago Metropolis Council assembly is ready for Sept. 25 at 10 a.m.
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