A tentative agreement on renewal of a contract between the City and International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 521 was reached on July 8, 2013.  The proposed contract runs retroactively from July 1, 2103, through June 30, 2016.  The Local's 111 members are expected to vote on the contract the week of July 22.  If it is ratified by Local 521, the City Council is being asked to consider approving the contract at its meeting of August 12, 2013.

Major changes to the contract would include:  

• A 2.9% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for each of the first two years of the contract and a wage re-opener for the third year;
• Allowing an employee to work at lower than his/her current classification to maintain staffing levels, but ensuring the   employee is paid his or her original rate of pay;
• A technical definition for a fire working unit, called a company;
• Allowing fire suppression employees on special assignment to receive higher classification pay they would have received if they remained on regular duty;
• Grandfathering special certification pay for those who already have a boiler license, but eliminating the certification after that individual leaves or allows his license to lapse; and
• Limiting the amount paid through salary to retirement to the actual increase in the City’s portion of the premium or 15%, whichever is less.

If Local 521 ratifies the contract, the City Council may:

• Approve the contract as presented, with pay retroactive to July 1, 2013;
• Postpone action of the contract to obtain additional information; or
• Deny approval of the contract, forcing negotiations to resume.

The COLA for the contract will cost $261,000 for FY14 and $268,569 for FY15. The COLA cost for the final year of the contract will depend on what is negotiated in FY15. There is adequate funding in General Fund reserves to cover the increases, although a budget amendment and transfer will be required.

The increase in the cost of the health insurance to retirement benefit will depend on the increase in the cost of health insurance, which will not be known until January of each year.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the contract, retroactive to July 1, 2013.