RACINE—This week, members of Racine Professional Firefighters Local 321 ratified a new contract with the City of Racine. The tentative agreement will go before Racine Common Council on Tuesday.
The tentative agreement includes the following provisions:
– A 15.75% raise implemented over four years (retroactive to January 1, 2021)
– A $2,000 retention bonus to all members of the local
– An additional paid holiday and 24 hours of vacation time
– 320 hours of paid parental leave
– A 3% pay increase for city residents
– Student loan repayment assistance for residents
– Down payment assistance for residents
Many of the residential incentives bring members in line with non-represented employees.
Mayor Cory Mason provided the following statement:
“I want to congratulate both bargaining teams and thank the members of Racine Professional Firefighters Local 321 for ratifying this agreement. I will bring the agreement to Common Council on Tuesday and urge them to support it. As we continue to face an increase in fire and EMS calls, I know we can continue working together to keep our city safe and healthy through this time.”
Alderman Natalia Taft, Chair of the Finance & Personnel Committee offered the following quote:
“I have always been grateful to our firefighters for the hard work they perform for our community. In recent years, calls for service have gone up dramatically. This contract reflects our appreciation for the work of our firefighters during difficult times. This agreement is a good compromise in managing the long-term fiscal sustainability needs of the city and supporting firefighters with competitive wages and benefits that will allow us to recruit and retain excellent public safety workers.”
