Four-Year Contract with Firefighter Union Ratified

For Immediate Release
DATE: March 23, 2005

From: Patrick Brennan, Assistant City Manager
(847) 926-1003 office

HIGHLAND PARK, IL- On March 14th, the Highland Park City Council unanimously adopted a resolution approving an agreement between the City and the Highland Park Firefighters Association - Local 822 of the International Association of Firefighters. The new agreement continues the association between the groups and covers the 39 firefighters and 9 lieutenants who provide emergency services to the community.

"This Collective Bargaining Agreement provides our firefighters a market-based and competitive compensation and benefits package," stated City Manager David Limardi. "The goal is to retain our productive employees and attract highly qualified candidates for job openings. I believe this contract keeps us competitive."

Commenting on the negotiation process, Fire Chief Alan Wax said, "All negotiation sessions were extremely productive. Clearly, the dedication to the City of Highland Park displayed by both labor and management was a key factor in a successful outcome. I am proud of our staff."

"The negotiation process went extremely well," said Union President Stephen Horne. "The spirit of positive discussion was maintained throughout, which does not often occur in typical negotiations. We appreciate the open dialogue atmosphere of the bargaining sessions, and feel that the outcome has shown to be a win-win for the employees and for the City."

Under the 4-year agreement, the firefighters will receive a compensation adjustment commensurate with the adjustment granted non-union employees on May 1, 2004. Moving forward, the firefighters' salary adjustments will be market-driven. The terms are similar to those approved in the contract approved by the City Council and Police Union in January of 2005. Additionally, the firefighters will join non-union employees in making contributions to the cost of health insurance premiums effective May 1, 2005.