By Melissa Frick
mlive.com
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids union firefighters are set to receive an 11% pay bump over the next three years.
The Grand Rapids City Commission approved a new collective bargaining agreement on Tuesday, July 29, with International Association of Firefighters Local 366, which has 230 members.
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The new contract runs from July 1 through June 30, 2028. It includes a 5% raise for union firefighters on July 1 (including retroactive pay), another 5% raise on July 1, 2026, and a 1% raise on July 1, 2027.
It also lowers the workweek for union firefighters effective in 2028, from the current 52.88 hours a week to 50.4 hours, to provide more time for rest and respite, said Mayor David LaGrand.
The city’s contributions to the retirees health savings account will increase by $500, to $2,750.
City Manager Mark Washington thanked the firefighters union and the city’s bargaining team for collaborating to put together the new contract.
Washington said it is essential to ensure Grand Rapids firefighters are paid well as the fire department continues to grow alongside the city.
“There are some big things that are planning in our fire department, with the new stations that are opening and new training center,” Washington said at Tuesday’s committee of the whole meeting.
“With the growth of our city, it’s essential to have this component of public safety supported.”
According to the salary schedule approved by the city commission, a firefighter in 2025 can start at a salary of $55,401 and make a maximum salary of $84,642. By 2027, the minimum firefighter salary will go up to $58,753 and the maximum will be $89,762.
The full salary schedule for each position is available starting on page 8 of the committee of the whole agenda packet, available here.
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