The Chicago Tribune recently featured an article discussing a new contract agreement for firefighters in Downers Grove. According to the article, the firefighters are set to receive annual salary increases over the next three years, as outlined in the newly approved contract. Village council members voted 5-1 in favor of the deal on August 5th, approving base salary hikes 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 24th. The union represents 70 full-time members, including firefighters, paramedics, engineers, lieutenants, captains, and the director of emergency medical services. The percentage increases outlined in the contract apply uniformly across all experience levels. For instance, a starting firefighter/paramedic will see their salary rise from $63,787 last year to $65,701 this year, with further increments reaching $67,685 by 2016. However, the actual percentage increases for individual employees will be more significant as they advance through the seven-step system based on their years of service. A firefighter with two years of experience will see their salary jump from $73,439 this year to $79,196 in 2015, representing a 7.8% increase. Similarly, a firefighter with four years of experience will earn $81,717 this year, up from $79,337 last year, and $86,621 by 2016, up from $84,098. Additionally, all union members who reach the highest salary brackets will qualify for one-time bonuses ranging from $750 to $1,500 throughout the duration of the contract, contingent upon their level of experience. It's worth noting that union members are explicitly forbidden from endorsing or participating in strikes under the new agreement. Commissioner Bob Barnett cast the sole dissenting vote against the contract, echoing his previous objections to similar collective bargaining deals for police officers, emergency dispatchers, and public works employees over the past two years. He expressed concerns about the financial commitments being made to these salary increases, stating, "Once again, we’re locking residents into pay hikes without any way to adjust if the economy takes a downturn. Our only option would essentially be to lay off workers." The contract has been backdated to May, meaning the 3% raise firefighters would have received over the past few months will be issued as a lump sum in an upcoming paycheck. Future raises will take effect annually in May. Thanks for sharing this, Dan! Ventilation Hose,Breather Hose,Tube Breather Hose,Crankcase Breather Hose Wenzhou Hengyi Auto Parts Co.,Ltd , https://www.autoparts-hy.com
June 07, 2025