Fire Agreement Offers Savings and Safety for Taxpayers

(March 20, 2015) 

Omaha, NE - A tentative agreement for a new contract has been reached with Omaha firefighters, resulting in approximately $3.6 million in savings for taxpayers, and maintaining Mayor Jean Stothert’s commitment to public safety.

For the first time in over a decade, the City can make exceptions to the “four on a truck” mandate and can run two 3-man rigs to avoid costly callback (overtime) when unexpected absences occur.  The projected annual savings for this change alone is $979,000. 

The four-year agreement also includes a 2015 wage freeze, resulting in a $1.4 million savings.

The  total projected savings of the agreement is estimated at $3.6 million, achieved by:

•  Eliminating a contractually required 2015 paramedic training class – Savings: $853,000 in 2015

• Removing Water Tender 77 from service- Savings: $979,000 annually 

• Reducing paramedic specialty pay for firefighters assigned to the Bureau-Savings: $72,000 annually

• Extending the trigger for working out of class premium pay from 12 to 24 hours-Savings: Appx. $4,000 annually

• Removing the City’s current NFPA 1710 compliance obligations and resolving pending litigation over alleged inadequate staffing levels and rigs in service

“This agreement provides a high level of fire protection and emergency response for our citizens with the flexibility to manage costs,” said Mayor Jean Stothert. 

The City agreed to a 2% wage increase in 2016 and 3% in 2017 and 2018.  In addition, there would be no layoffs through December 15, 2018.

Local 385 also proposed and the City accepted a major change in health care beginning in 2016. Firefighters will enroll in a health care plan administered solely by the Union.  The City’s only responsibility starting in 2016, is to make monthly premium contributions, which will be frozen at the 2015 rate, approximately $920,000 a month. This freeze in health care premiums is projected to save the City $1.6 million through 2018.  

“The Union asked to manage its own health care plan.  They will assume all the risk,” said Mayor Stothert.  If health care costs increase, as we expect they will, the City’s costs will not change.  This agreement locks in our financial obligations.”   

For the first time, legally married same sex couples will also be eligible for health care coverage.

Other provisions of the agreement include:

• Proceed with 2016 firefighter recruit class, the first since 2013  (current estimate is 25 recruits)

• Maintain a minimum shift staffing number (Current minimum is 174, will increase to 178 in 2016 after recruit class graduation)

• Add a new rig by July 1, 2016  (Fire Chief and City to determine type of rig and location)

• Increase the number of employees assigned to the Bureau from 37 to 40 on July 1, 2016

• Increase pay for lead medic by $0.25/hour

• Ensure working out of class pay complies with City ordinance requiring a minimum 5% premium

The previous contract with Local 385 expired at the end of 2014. The new four-year  agreement will take effect after a vote by the union membership, approval of the Omaha Personnel Board and the Omaha City Council.