Lincoln firefighters union reaches contract agreement with the city

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The city has come to an agreement on a new contract with the firefighters union.

The city said it wants to ensure that recruitment stays competitive and that Lincoln Fire & Rescue is able to keep employees.

Highlights of the proposed contract include:

• Wages: A three-year wage increase totaling 18%, with incremental raises of 8% in 2023, 6% in 2024 and 4% in 2025.
• Pay differentials: Increased pay differentials for specialized employees, including those serving as hazardous materials technicians, certified employees on the bomb squad, and employees assigned to the medic unit.
• Language updates: Updating language to ensure access to employee personnel files and replacing gender-specific language with gender-neutral terminology.
• Staffing/operations: Adjustments to procedures for temporary assignments and an increase in the staffing minimum to 90 emergency response personnel.

LFR has been facing a paramedic shortage and has decided to start training paramedics in-house rather than through a third parties to fill the need.

Adam Schrunk, president of the Lincoln fire union, said the ensures that firefighters have the resources they need to continue their vital work.