The Portland City Council on Monday night gave first reading to a proposed two-year contract with the firefighters union, Local 740 of the International Association of Firefighters.
The previous contract expired on Dec. 31, 2011, and this new pact will keep the city and firefighters tied up through Dec. 31, 2013. Included in the deal is a 1 percent pay raise retroactive to Jan. 1 of this year, as well as a follow-up 1.5 percent base salary increase effective Jan. 6, 2013.
The new contract also increases clothing and equipment allowance limits to $250 per year or no more than $500 over two years, and creates a joint committee to create an overtime system ensuring all firefighters get equal access to the extra hours, among other things.
The deal was ratified by Local 740 already, according to the city, and the council’s second reading and passage will likely take place on July 16.
