2009/04/23 - City Reaches Agreement with Firefighters for No COLA Increases in 2009 and 2010

Press Release #: 09-34
Date: 2009/04/23
Contact: Bob Gregory
Phone: 360.442.5004

City Reaches Agreement with Firefighters for No COLA Increases in 2009 and 2010

At this evening’s Council meeting, the City entered into a two-year collective bargaining agreement with International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 828 to forego a cost of living increase from January 1, 2009 through November 30, 2010.  For the month of December 2010 only, one month before their two-year contract expires, Local 828 will receive 100% of the regional consumer price index for wage earners (CPI-W Portland).   Negotiations for a successor agreement will begin in the fall of 2010. 

Union Vice President Dave Wyman and Justin Noel were present to sign the agreement.  City Manager Gregory cited the willingness of IAFF 828’s bargaining team, led by union president Randy Bradshaw, as a key factor in reaching agreement.  Bradshaw stated, “Reaching this agreement is a great example of everyone working together as a team for the benefit of all employees.  I’m proud of our union for stepping up to the plate and doing our part.”   

Manager Gregory expressed his appreciation for the support he received from the union when he asked for wage concessions.  “Again, another one of our employee union groups has acknowledged our commitment to this community and our need to continue to provide essential City services during these difficult economic times. I am extremely appreciative of the IAFF Local 828 employees, and I commend them for their willingness to work with us as we continue to seek solutions to maintaining City services with a minimum of disruption.”

The wage concessions reached with IAFF Local 828 represent approximately $91,774 in 2009 and a total of $175,588 for the biennium.  In addition to the wage concessions reached with the IAFF Local 828, the City reached agreement earlier this month with three other labor groups and the City’s non-represented employees, who also will be participating in an unpaid furlough program totaling approximately a 3% pay cut in 2009.  The Police Guild has declined the City’s invitation to bargain on wage concessions and will be pursuing arbitration.  Combined with the projected furlough savings, the City will be able to offset the 2009 projected budget deficit by approximately $409,774.  Other cost savings that have been implemented include extending vehicle replacement schedules and not filling vacant positions. Final recommendations for reductions of expenditures will be presented to the City Council in May.

City Manager Gregory stated, “The projected budget shortfall is $1.5 million for 2009, and projections for 2010 are not looking much better.  The wage concession and unpaid furloughs will help us bridge that gap while maintaining services to the community as much as possible.  This will reduce, but not eliminate, the possibility of having to lay off employees in the future.”   

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