Originally posted in The Rawlings-Blake Review, Issue #174

Earlier this week, the City of Baltimore reached a contract agreement with the two unions representing employees of the Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD)—Baltimore Firefighters IAFF Local 734 and the Baltimore Fire Officers Association IAFF Local 964. The new contract, which was voted on and overwhelmingly approved by members of the unions, includes increased salaries, a modified shift structure, and guarantees no layoffs or demotions as a result of the contract.

Under the new three-year agreement, BCFD employees will receive a 2% pay raise for FY13. Then on January 1, 2014, fire suppression personnel will receive an additional 14.5% raise, and EMS and other personnel will receive a 4% raise. Additionally, the longevity raises that firefighters receive at 20 and 25 years will be increased to 5%, up from the current 4% raise.

The contract also outlines a new shift structure for fire suppression personnel, more in line with practices found in other major U.S. cities. The modified structure calls for a 12.5% increase in hours worked. Under the new schedule, fire suppression personnel will be on-duty for 24 hours, off-duty for the next 24 hours, and on-duty for the subsequent 24 hours. This scheduling model requires only 103 scheduled appearances yearly—79 fewer than the current schedule.

This new contract aligns closely with the city’s ten-year financial plan, Change to Grow, which calls for a bold set of major reforms to confront a $750 million structural deficit and to grow Baltimore.

Acting Fire Chief Jeffrey R. Segal said of the contract, “These changes will save the city millions of dollars and prevent possible layoffs. The contract is the result of good-faith negotiations between city officials, fire department management, and union leadership.”

And I couldn’t agree more. Baltimore’s firefighters are the best in America, and we are all deeply grateful for their hard work and bravery. This contract—with a new schedule and significantly increased pay—will allow our fire department to maintain its high standard of emergency services for our city. I am appreciative that the members of the department acknowledge the importance of long-term fiscal stability for our city and have courageously voted to make changes that will benefit all.