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The Chicago Tribune recently featured an article about a new contract agreement for firefighters in Downers Grove. According to the terms of the deal, local firefighters are set to see their salaries increase annually over the next three years. The village council approved the contract with a vote of 5-1 on August 5, specifying annual base salary increases of 3% this year, 2% in 2015, and 1% in 2016.
Rob Pekelder, the president of the firefighters' union, mentioned that the contract was ratified by an overwhelming majority on July 24. This union represents 70 full-time firefighters, paramedics, engineers, lieutenants, captains, and the director of emergency medical services.
The percentage hikes outlined in the contract apply uniformly across all experience levels. For instance, a newly hired firefighter/paramedic will start at a salary of $65,701 this year, marking a 3% rise from last year's $63,787. By 2016, this figure is expected to grow to $67,685, as per the contract details. However, employees will see even more substantial percentage gains as they move up the ranks based on their years of service. There are seven steps in total, applicable to those hired after May 1, 2011. A firefighter/paramedic with two years of experience will earn $73,439 this year, increasing to $79,196 in 2015, which equates to a 7.8% raise. Similarly, a firefighter with four years under their belt will make $81,717 this year, up from $79,337. For a firefighter/paramedic with four years of service, the salary will jump from $84,098 to $86,621.
Every union member reaching the end of the defined salary scales will qualify for one-time bonuses ranging from $750 to $1,500 throughout the duration of the contract, contingent on their level of experience. Additionally, the contract prohibits union members from endorsing or engaging in any form of strike activity.
Commissioner Bob Barnett cast the sole dissenting vote, expressing concerns similar to those he had previously voiced regarding other collective bargaining agreements for police officers, emergency dispatchers, and public works personnel over the last couple of years. He expressed frustration, stating, "We’re once again committing our residents to pay for these salary hikes without any viable exit strategy should the economy take a turn for the worse. Our only real option would be to let people go."
The contract has been retroactively applied since May, meaning that the 3% raise union members missed out on over the previous three months will be issued in a lump sum in an upcoming paycheck. Future raises will commence in May of each subsequent year. Thanks to Dan for sharing this insightful piece!
June 07, 2025