CHICAGO (AP) — The union representing Chicago firefighters has ratified a proposed five-year contract with the city.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel says the agreement is both “fiscally responsible” and respectful of the “work and sacrifice of the men and women who put their own lives on the line.”
The agreement still must be approved by the City Council.
The ratification by Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2 was announced Wednesday.
Under the agreement, firefighters and paramedics will receive an 11 percent pay increase over five years.
It also requires the city to upgrade its ambulance fleet and hire about 200 additional paramedics by September. The deal does not include pension or retiree health care reform.
It will be retroactive from July 2012 and end in July 2017.
