Mayfield Village Settles Contract with Firefighters

Mayfield Village firefighters will receive raises of 0 percent in 2011 and 1 percent in 2012 and 2013 under a new contract approved Tuesday by village council.

The International Association of Firefighters, Local 2619 was the first employee group to reach an agreement. The village is also negotiating with police and nonunion employees.

Finance Director Ron Wynne said the main thing firefighters wanted in the deal was a reduction in the work week from 53 to 50 hours. That 50-hour week represents an annual average. Firefighters normally work 24-hour shifts – 24 hours on, 48 hours off – and also have "Kelly Days" they are given off to reach the average work week.

Wynne said most surrounding communities are on the 50-hour work week. He added that firefighters agreed that uniform allowance and longevity pay would be kept at the same amounts for the next three years.

"They agreed to a freeze on all stipends for the length of the contract," Wynne said.

The village also sought some control over health care costs. Employees pay $25 a month toward premiums for singles and $50 a month for family coverage. Under the contract, firefighters would pay an additional 25 percent of increases if premiums increase by more than 5 percent in the first year and 7 percent in years two and three, Wynne said.