Last Monday, Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb announced a tentative agreement on a new contract for first-grade firefighters that promises a suite of employee benefits, including a notable 21% pay increase over three years. As reported by the Cleveland Fire's social media post. The agreement, still requiring city council approval, would go into effect retroactively from April 1, and was voted in favor by union members.
The newly negotiated contract includes several key elements such as an immediate 12% salary increase, effective April 1, and an additional 9% increment in base wages over the contract's duration alongside a reduction in the years of service required for earning extra vacation time, and a commitment to keep health insurance premiums stable for 2025.
"Firefighters are the guardians of our communities, serving as a critical component to the City of Cleveland 'All-of-government' safety approach," Bibb expressed in the briefing. The mayor underscored the contract as a significant move in reinforcing community safety, just compensation for firefighters, and showing unyielding support for those risking their lives for public welfare every day, according to the Cleveland Fire press release.
