Title
Resolution to Approve the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Ann Arbor and Local 693 of the International Association of Fire Fighters (Ann Arbor Firefighters Union) effective January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2028
Memorandum
Human Resources Services recommends approval of the new four-year Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Ann Arbor and Local 693 of the International Association of Fire Fighters commencing on January 1, 2025 and expiring on December 31, 2028. This Agreement was made between the Parties by way of a recommendation for settlement through a state appointed Mediator.
Important operational achievements of the recommended Agreement include, but are not limited to the following:
1) Four (4) year agreement;
2) Increased operational flexibility for staffing of the ambulances; including, but not limited to:
a. Ambulances will be staffed with Firefighters as opposed to Officers, which will bring a significant personnel cost savings and aligns our staffing model with other similar Departments;
b. Elimination of requirement that there has to be a captain instead of a lieutenant (lower ranking officer) at a sub-station if an ambulance is in service at that station;
3) Ability to hire externally for promoted positions if there are no eligible IAFF members interested in the position;
4) Addition of time blocks to aid operations scheduling, and increased time off use restrictions, inclusive of updated sick leave language to manage potential abuse, consistent with HR Policy and multiple bargaining units and non-union staff across the City;
5) Limited hour maximum with minimum time off requirement between consecutive platoon shifts;
6) Increased operational flexibility for Fire Recruits, including allowing Recruits to take on tasks that they were previously not allowed to complete;
Overall, the City achieved many beneficial operational and managerial changes that address operational staffing and scheduling needs to continue efficient and effective service delivery, as well as continued achievement in equity, fiscal responsibility, and safety.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: The recommended changes exceed the FY2024/FY2025 budget for Fire Department personnel costs, but can be accommodated within the General Fund Operations budget and the budget target for the remaining term of the contract as determined by Finance.
Economic impacts of the negotiated agreement include:
1) All members of the bargaining unit will be moved to a consolidated pay scale, effective January 1, 2025;
2) A 3.75% base wage increase for all members effective January 1, 2025, a 3% base wage increase for all members effective January 1, 2026, January 1, 2027, and January 1, 2028;
3) All members will participate in the IAFF Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (“MERP”), under the following terms:
a. All members hired after July 1, 2012 who are currently participating in the City sponsored Retirement Health Reimbursement Account (RHRA) will begin participating in the MERP and all City contributions to the RHRA will cease.
i. This transition will reduce the City’s Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) liability.
b. The total amounts in employee RHRA accounts as of December 31, 2024 will be available for employees to use upon retirement.
c. Effective January 1, 2025, the City will begin contributing $50 per paycheck into the newly established MERP accounts for eligible employees. Effective January 1, 2026 the City contribution will increase to $75 per paycheck, and effective January 1, 2028 the City contribution will increase to $100 per paycheck.
d. All IAFF members will contribute $50 per paycheck to the MERP regardless of date of hire;
4) Addition of two (2) mental health days for platoon personnel;
5) Increase of Food Allowance to $1,600 annually for platoon personnel, and increase of uniform allowance to $1,300 annually;
6) Elimination of $600 EMT bonus for all bargaining unit members;
7) Updated longevity schedule consistent with multiple bargaining units across the City, with the elimination of the annual longevity payments counting towards final average compensation calculation for pension purposes;
8) Addition of $100 transport allowance for Firefighters working on ambulance;
For the above reasons, Staff recommends approval of the attached Resolution to approve the January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2028 Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City and Local 693 of the International Association of Fire Fighters.
Staff
Prepared by: Heather Koch, Human Resources Service Partner
Reviewed by: Marti Praschan, Interim Deputy City Administrator
Reviewed by: Monica Boote, Human Resources and Labor Relations Director
Reviewed by: Margaret Radabaugh, Deputy City Attorney
Reviewed by: Mike Kennedy, Fire Chief
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Local 693 of the International Association of Fire Fighters (Ann Arbor Firefighters Union) and the City have reached a settlement of a new collective bargaining agreement by way of recommendation from a State-appointed mediator, to commence on January 1, 2025 and expire on December 31, 2028; and
Whereas, The City Administrator recommends approval of the negotiated agreement; and
RESOLVED, That the City Council approve the four-year Collective Bargaining Agreement ending December 31, 2028; and
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized and directed to execute the Collective Bargaining Agreement for the term January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2028 on behalf of the City, after approval as to substance by the City Administrator and approval as to form by the City Attorney.