The Denver Fire Department recently announced that it reached a new collective bargaining agreement with the Denver Firefighters Local 858 union. The agreement is the result of months of negotiations between the two parties and will have a significant impact on the working conditions and compensation of Denver`s firefighters.
One of the key provisions of the new agreement is an increase in compensation for firefighters. Under the new agreement, firefighters will see a 3% increase in pay in 2022 and a 3.25% increase in pay in 2023. In addition, firefighters who receive a promotion will see a higher percentage increase in pay than they did under the previous agreement.
Another important provision of the agreement is an increase in health care benefits for firefighters. The new agreement includes a cap on out-of-pocket expenses for medical care, which will provide significant financial relief to firefighters and their families. The agreement also includes provisions for mental health care and wellness programs for firefighters.
The agreement also includes provisions that will improve working conditions for firefighters. For example, firefighters will now be able to request a transfer to a different station if they feel they are not receiving adequate support or resources at their current location. The agreement also includes provisions for additional training opportunities for firefighters and improvements to their equipment and facilities.
One of the most significant changes in the new agreement is the elimination of the “evergreen clause,” which allowed the previous agreement to remain in effect even after it had expired. The elimination of this clause means that the new agreement will have a set expiration date, which will require the union and the fire department to engage in negotiations again in the future.
Overall, the new collective bargaining agreement between the Denver Fire Department and the Denver Firefighters Local 858 union represents a significant step forward for the city`s firefighters. The agreement provides for increased compensation, improved health care benefits, and better working conditions, which should help to attract and retain talented firefighters in Denver for years to come.