Md. Medics, Firefighters Avoid Layoffs, Furloughs

Aug. 08--Baltimore County and union members have agreed to extend the contract for firefighters and paramedics through June 2016, guaranteeing no layoffs or furloughs through that time.

The extension is for members of Baltimore County Professional Fire Fighters Association, which represents both firefighters and paramedics. Officials said Wednesday the deal also provides employees with a 3 percent bonus in November 2014 and a 3 percent cost-of-living increase on July 1, 2015.

The current contract had been scheduled to expire next June.

In a statement, County Executive Kevin Kamenetz called the extension "an agreement that is good for employees and sustainable for taxpayers."

Union President Mike Day said members showed up to vote on the contract extension in one of the largest turnouts he has seen during his tenure.

Six labor groups represent county workers. The county has agreements with public health nurses and sheriffs unions through 2014, and with the Baltimore County Federation of Public Employees through 2015.

The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 4 has not reached a new deal with the county, but most terms of its previous agreement are protected under an arbitration case.

Members of AFSCME Local 921, whose members include laborers in the Department of Public Works and other agencies, have been working without a contract for more than a year.

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