News

Conn. Firefighters Get New Contract

Jesse Leavenworth

08/19/2013

Aug. 19--MANCHESTER -- A new three-year contract gives firefighters pay raises of 1.5 percent for the first year and 2 percent for the next two years, while increasing their share of health insurance payments and broadening substance-abuse testing.

The town's contract with Local 1579 of the International Association of Firefighters affects 77 firefighters and extends from July 1 to June 30, 2016, town administrators said Monday.

Over three years, the contract's net budget impact will be an increase of about $600,000, General Manager Scott Shanley said.

The agreement gives firefighters general wage increases of 1.5 percent in the first year and 2 percent in each of the following fiscal years, with step increases for eligible employees.

Salary ranges for the first year of the agreement include: firefighter/paramedic -- $51,228 to $71,058; fire lieutenant -- $74,611 to $81,718; fire inspector -- $74,611 to $81,718; battalion chief -- $85,804 to $89,446; and fire marshal -- $91,806 to $95,515.

Depending on their chosen health insurance plans, employees' contributions will increase from 8.5 percent, 12.5 percent and 16 percent to 12 percent, 16 percent and 19.5 percent.

The substance-abuse policy was amended to include both random testing and testing for all members involved in accidents with department vehicles. Previously, the department had tested job candidates and only those employees who showed indications of substance abuse, Bycholski said.

Bycholski said he and other administrators pushed for the post-accident testing as a sign of trust in their operators, so that substance abuse could be eliminated as a cause for an accident.

"It was very important that we would be able to validate that our person was not under the influence," Bycholski said.

Union Vice President Angelo Alleano Jr. said firefighters were satisfied with the agreement.

"The negotiation process went very well with the town," Alleano said. "I have no complaints."

Another change that Bycholski said will benefit the department is an extension of the probationary period for new hires and some officers' positions. Previously, department leaders had only about three months to evaluate firefighters fresh from the state fire academy. That period is now one year from the employee's first day on the job, Bycholski said.

The contract also includes an increase in annual bonuses from $300 to $500 for firefighters with emergency medical technician responsiblities. Also, on July 1, 2014, bonuses for employees with paramedic responsibilities who have been with the department for at least 11 years will increase from $3,000 to $4,000. Every town firefighter is trained as an emergency medical technician, while 27 work as paramedics, Bycholski said.

"A spirit of cooperation prevailed in the negotiations," he said. "Both parties gave and received, and everyone left the table satisfied. We negotiated some key non-economic issues that we felt we needed."