New contract for Downers Grove
The Chicago Tribune recently featured an article on a new contract agreement for firefighters in Downers Grove. According to the terms of this deal, the local firefighters are due to see their salaries increase annually over the next three years. Village council members ultimately approved the contract with a vote of 5-1 on August 5th, agreeing to base salary hikes of 3% this year, followed by 2% in 2015 and 1% in 2016. Rob Pekelder, president of the firefighters' union, mentioned that the contract was ratified overwhelmingly by the union members on July 24th. This union represents 70 full-time staff including firefighters, paramedics, engineers, lieutenants, captains, and the director of emergency medical services. The percentage increases outlined in the contract apply uniformly across different experience levels. For instance, a starting firefighter/paramedic will start off at a salary of $65,701 this year, marking a 3% rise from last year's $63,787. By 2016, this salary will grow to $67,685, as per the contract details. However, employees will see even more significant percentage gains as they move through the seven-step progression based on their years of service. For example, a firefighter/paramedic with two years of experience will earn $73,439 this year, increasing to $79,196 in 2015—a 7.8% jump. Meanwhile, someone with four years of service will make $81,717 this year, up from $79,337. A firefighter/paramedic with four years under their belt will earn $86,621 compared to $84,098 last year. Additionally, all union members reaching the final salary ranges will qualify for one-time bonuses ranging from $750 to $1,500 throughout the duration of the contract, contingent upon their experience level. It's also worth noting that union members are barred from supporting or engaging in strikes, as stated in the contract. Commissioner Bob Barnett cast the lone dissenting vote, expressing concerns similar to those he had voiced against previous collective bargaining agreements for police officers, emergency dispatchers, and public works personnel over the past couple of years. He remarked, "Yet again, we've committed our residents to salary hikes without any real escape plan should the economy take a downturn. Our only viable option would essentially be to let people go." To address the delay, the contract has been retroactively applied since May, meaning the 3% raise for union members from the last few months will be issued in a lump sum within an upcoming paycheck. Future raises will commence in May of each subsequent year. Thanks for sharing, Dan! Precise Casting Parts,Precise Casting Parts Assembly,Precise Casting Parts And Accessories,Precise Casting Parts Aluminum Jiangsu Kinuo Furnace Roller Co., Ltd. , https://www.jskinuoroller.com