YONKERS – The more than 300 paid firefighters in Yonkers Local 628 have a new 10-year contract as the city council unanimously approved the pact.
The agreement is retroactive to July 1, 2009 and will extend through June 30, 2019.
The contract calls for a 23.5 percent salary increase over 10 years. Union members will see an increase in longevity, health insurance opt out and EMS stipends. It also includes a 20 percent reduction in starting salaries for new hires, plus an addition of an extra year to the salary steps necessary for achieving top pay.
Stricture procedures for sick leave incentives have been put in place and “light duty” procedures have been agreed to for firefighters returning to work after an injury.
Reforms have also been made to the protocols for filing and arbitrating on-the-job injury claims.
“This is a contact that works for workers and Yonkers taxpayers,” said Mayor Michael Spano.
Local 628 President Barry McGoey credited the mayor’s “unwavering leadership through the negotiating process” for achieving the new contract.
