New Agreement In Broadview Fire

After an 17 month struggle a new collective bargaining agreement was reached for the Broadview Firefighters in July. Some highlights from the new contract:

• A four year term
• Full retroactive wages of 3% from May 1, 2006, 2.75% May 1, 2007, 3% May 1, 2008, and 3.75% May 1, 2009
• Paramedic Pay to 3.75% of the base salary as of May 1, 2008 from $2000
• New language to better define the workday routine outside of emergency responses.
• Employee contribution to health care was modified to reflect a gradually increased scale from 10% to 12% employee contributions with a maximum fixed dollar cap of $175 employee contribution.
  
• Insurance has been bid out with a company rather than continuing to self insure, due to the recent claims history of the village. Any differences in coverage between the new policy and the old were reimbursed up till June of 2007.

We were able to maintain longevity, the economic past practice clause, and the clause which prohibits both subcontracting or requests for proposals for bargaining unit work during the term. All of these provisions were under attack from the employer during these negotiations. The village also sought to freeze wages for the first two years of the new contract.

Thanks to the bargaining committee which consisted of Pete Contos, Steve Murczek, and Mike Nykaza. Legal council was provided by Mr. Joel D’Alba of Asher Gittler Greenfield And D’Alba LTD.