New Agreement in Calumet Park Fire

The Village of Calumet Park and it’s firefighters reached an agreement on a new deal after a contentious eleven month negotiation. In our last issue we described how the village gave notice that they were backing out of the “automatic aid” agreements with neighboring communities which lead to a leafleting campaign and our presence at Board meetings to voice our firm disagreement with the plan.

The village was none to pleased with the residents’ reactions and brought in legal council from Odelson and Sterk LTD to represent them. Bargaining resumed and the village stood on it’s proposal for a five year agreement with no consideration of expanding or adding to regular staffing of the department. They also were steadfast in their rejection of our proposal for just cause and progressive discipline.

The village then implemented their proposal on the wage scale which did not include the employee’s employment anniversary date step increases. The union gave notification and demanded to bargain the matter. After not receiving a timely response, we gave notice of our intent to file charges with the ILRB.

Shortly thereafter, the village’s attorney contacted the local and set up additional dates to meet and conclude negotiations toward the new contract, so the union did not file the charge.

A new three year agreement was reached which included above market wage increases, language to initiate callbacks for severe weather, better disciplinary language, and mandated that training would be held on shift rather than at a mandatory time for all members. Special thanks to the committee; Ron Becthall, Donald Rush and Tom Wendt.