Middletown rejects fact-finding report in fire contract talks
The city and the
The union represents 74 members including firefighters, fire lieutenants, fire captains and deputy fire chiefs. The fire chief and assistant fire chief are excluded.
Fire union officials could not be reached for comment on Thursday.
Here is a break-down of the issues and the fact-finder's recommendations which were issued
INSURANCE
City officials proposed removing the language in the agreement that provided for caps for bargaining unit member costs because it gave the union and a police bargaining unit richer benefit options that created dispartity among other city employees. The city said by removing the caps, its Health Care Committee can pursue benefits of equal value for all employees.
The union proposed increasing the caps to its employee health care costs, but was opposed to the elimination of all caps on insurance benefits. The union also proposed an opt-out incentive stipend, saying this would assist the city in off-setting insurance costs.
The fact-finder: Recommended removal of all caps; and recommended new language to allow city or union to stop participation in the Health Care Committee by providing written notice. If participation is ended, members would be required to maintain their health care coverage; and it would also allow re-opening insurance negotiations.
PROMOTIONS
The
city proposed language requiring apparatus operator applicants to be at minimum Step D on the pay scale as the position requires an experienced and an effective firefighter with demonstrated skills.
The union proposed compensation for a Squadman position be increased from
The fact-finder: Recommended increasing the compensation for a Squadman to 28.50 an hour; and to be eligible for promotion to apparatus operator, the employee must have obtained Step D nn the pay scale.
WAGES
The city has proposed a 2 percent increase.
The union is seeking a 4 percent increase for each year of the contract to attract and retain employees and stem the high turnover rate. The union also opposed any step adjustments.
The fact-finder recommended wage increases in this order:
Effective
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