POUGHKEEPSIE – Poughkeepsie’s professional firefighters, members of IAFF Local 596, have overwhelmingly ratified a new contract after drawn-out negotiations with the city’s administration. The contract will now be considered by the common council.
The firefighters have been working without a contract since December 31, 2020, according to Local 596 President Nick Bucher. Details of the new agreement are prohibited from being made public until after it is approved by the council.
The union members ratified the new pact last week.
City Administrator Marc Nelson has notified Council Chairperson Sarah Salem that an agreement has been reached and has asked that it be placed on the council agenda for December. Salem did not respond to a request from Mid-Hudson News seeking a timeframe for the council vote on the contract.
“This agreement brings us in line with the city’s other unions and our firefighters are satisfied with the contract,” Bucher said.
