Burlington firefighters could get 9% pay raise under new union contract [The Journal Times, Racine, Wisc.]

Dec. 19—BURLINGTON — Firefighters would see their pay increase by 9% but would face higher health insurance premiums under a proposed union contract settlement with the City of Burlington.

The Burlington City Council is scheduled Tuesday to consider a three-year deal with Racine Professional Firefighters 321, which represents organized employees of the Burlington Fire Department.

Fire Chief Alan Babe could not be reached for comment.

According to a summary prepared by the chief, the city has agreed to give firefighters a 3.5% raise in 2024, a 2% raise in 2025 and 3.5% in 2026.

The raises would cost the city about $100,000 a year.

Employees getting health insurance under the union contract would pay 12% of the insurance premiums, up from 10%.

Local 321 officials could not be reached for comment.

It was not clear if union members have approved the new contract.

If approved by both the city and union, the deal would take effect Jan. 1 and continue until Dec. 31, 2026.

Other changes highlighted by chief's report to City Council include: firefighters with active paramedic licenses would get an extra $1.30 an hour in wages; those designated as lieutenants would get an extra 50 cents an hour; employees would be paid time-and-a-half to attend mandatory training sessions held on their scheduled day off.

The contract shows that firefighters next year would be paid between $55,467 and $74,331 a year, depending on their years of service.

The City Council meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the council chambers, 224 E. Jefferson St.

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