Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Uniformed Firefighters’ Association (UFA) President Stephen J. Cassidy today announced that a tentative contract settlement has been reached on a collective bargaining agreement covering the period from June 1, 2002 through July 31, 2006.  The agreement covers four years and two months, and includes a greater than 17% wage increase and a modified salary structure for employees hired subsequent to the next class in mid-January 2006.  The agreement is funded through productivity enhancements and other measurable savings such as a two-month contract extension.  This settlement is consistent with the parameters of this round of bargaining to compensate employees for increased productivity.

“In arriving at this settlement, the City has applied the basic economic framework found in agreements reached with our other uniformed forces,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “The City’s commitment to attain fiscally responsible contracts that include productivity enhancements has again been dovetailed with the Union’s goal to achieve fair treatment and substantial compensation for its members. This agreement provides retroactive wage increases and other benefits for New York’s Bravest, whose unwavering dedication to duty helps to preserve the welfare and safety of the public and is especially deserving of our praise and gratitude.”

“We commend Mayor Bloomberg and Commissioner Hanley for recognizing the important part staffing plays in firefighter and public safety,” said UFA President Steve Cassidy. “Although this deal may not have been everything we wished for it is a big step in the right direction.”

The principal features of the settlement, including compounded wage increases of over 17% during the contract for incumbent Firefighters, are as follows:

• 5% effective June 1, 2002
• 5% compounded, effective June 1, 2003
• 3% compounded, effective August 1, 2004
• 3.15%, compounded, effective August 1, 2005

At the end of this contract, a Firefighter’s basic maximum salary will be $63,309.

Productivity Initiatives

• New Hires: For employees hired subsequent to the class in mid-January 2006, a modified starting salary of $25,100 shall apply.
• Annual Leave: Effective January 1, 2006, there shall be a reduction in annual leave in the amount of one (1) 15-hour annual leave tour for all employees.
• Duty Schedules: The Fire Department shall have the right to schedule Firefighters (including other than full-duty Firefighters) to non-firefighting duties in units whose duty schedule differs from the system specified in the Administrative Code such as the Division of Training.

Other Contract Provisions

• Security Benefit Fund: Effective January 1, 2005, there shall be an increase in the City’s contribution to the active and retiree welfare funds in the pro rata amount of $100 per annum.
• Cleaning Allowance: Effective August 1, 2005, there shall be an increase in the uniform cleaning allowance in the amount of $100.00.
• New Hires’ Annuity: Effective January 17, 2006, during their first one and one-half years of service, new employees shall receive an additional $1,150 annuity contribution on an annual basis.

Additional Features

• Credit for Prior Uniformed Service: The parties jointly agree to support legislation that will amend the Administrative Code such that prior Police or Correction uniformed service shall not be counted in determining salary and other economic benefits (except pension credit) for newly appointed firefighters.
• Pending Litigation: The UFA agrees to withdraw, or discontinue, with prejudice a number of outstanding cases and/or actions thereby facilitating the Department’s assigning and scheduling of Firefighters under certain circumstances.
• Roster Staffing Agreement: The parties agree to extend the provisions of the “Roster Staffing Agreement” until January 31, 2011.

The Mayor thanked Deputy Mayor Marc V. Shaw, Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta, UFA President Stephen Cassidy and his Executive Board, Labor Commissioner James F. Hanley and First Deputy Commissioner Pamela S. Silverblatt and their team, and Budget Director Mark Page and his staff for their efforts in reaching this Agreement.