Syracuse firefighters battle a house fire on Lodi Street Thursday night
/ photo by Caitlin Nuclo
SYRACUSE -- Syracuse firefighters are making concessions to help the city save money.
Thursday night, Syracuse Firefighters Local 280 Union ratified a new contract that actually decreases the minimum number of firefighters, that need to be on duty. Right now, there must be a minimum of 75 firefighters per shift. That will be cut to 73 firefighters. The move saves the city $600,000 this fiscal year.
The contract also freezes wages for the rest of this year and next year, requires firefighters to contribute $15 more per month toward health care, and pay higher co-pays for brand name prescriptions. It also provides for incentives for firefighters who obtain additional training and certifications that are not mandated, longevity pay increases. New hires will receive paid vacation only after they have completed their probationary year.
Both Mayor Stephanie Miner and Fire Chief Mark McLees say firefighters understand the city's tough financial position.
"Our firefighters have put the City and its residents first with this decision, as they do each day when they put on their uniforms," Mayor Miner said. "By agreeing to a wage freeze and health care concessions, the union has taken a proactive step toward avoiding layoffs and ensuring we are able to continue to provide excellent fire protection. I applaud and thank the firefighters for stepping up in these tremendously difficult financial times and hope that our other collective bargaining units will follow their example."
"Our firefighters understand that we all have to do our part when resources are dwindling and costs are rising. I am pleased that we were able to come to this agreement so that we can continue to operate as an ISO Class One fire department in the years ahead, protecting and serving the people who live and work in Syracuse," said Syracuse Fire Department Chief Mark McLees.
