Mayor Bibb, Cleveland Firefighters Union announce new union agreement that includes a pay increase for firefighters... By Clevelandurbannews.com, Ohio's Black digital news leader

Staff article by Clevelandurbannews.com and Kathywraycolemanonlinenewsblog.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio— Mayor Justin M. Bibb and the International Association of Fire Fighters - Local 93 announced Monday that the city and the union have reached a tentative agreement on a new three-year collective bargaining agreement contract that the mayor says will offer numerous employee-oriented benefits, including a pay increase for first-grade firefighters of the Cleveland Division of Fire. 

Union members voted to approve the agreement, which will retroactively go into effect April 1, 2025, following full execution of the contract and city council approval.

"Firefighters are the guardians of our communities, serving as a critical component to the City of Cleveland," said Mayor Bibb, the city's fourth Black mayor who is up for reelection this year. "This agreement represents a significant step in strengthening the safety for our communities, ensuring competitive compensation for our members, and reaffirming our support to those who put their lives on the line every day to protect us."

The new agreement:

• Implements an automatic 12% parity salary increase, retroactive to April 1, 2025.
• Provides an additional 9% base-wage increase over the three-year contract.
• Reduces the required service time to qualify for additional vacation hours.
• Maintains health insurance premiums for families and individuals, with no increases in 2025.
• Memorializes Engine 2, officializing water emergency response capabilities.
• Introduces an additional position for water suppression and boat rescue operations.

"This agreement signifies a strong commitment to the safety of Clevelanders and the firefighters who protect our community," said Joseph 'Jake' Konys, Local 93 President. "Our strengthened partnership with Mayor Bibb and his administration is paving the way for further collaboration and enhanced public safety."

This new contract is the latest investment made under Mayor Bibb's RISE Initiative, the most comprehensive public safety strategy the City of Cleveland has ever seen.

"Under Mayor Bibb's leadership, this is one of the fastest contract negotiations in my career," said Chief Anthony Luke. "The pay increase will help the division attract candidates, retain firefighters, and focus on our core mission of providing the residents and visitors of our city the very best service possible each and every day."

The RISE Initiative has delivered one of the most significant investments in the City of Cleveland's history, aimed at strengthening public safety, supporting first responders, and building safer, more resilient neighborhoods. Through Mayor Bibb's RISE Initiative, the City of Cleveland has successfully:

• Invested in modern resources, equipment, training, and technology to enhance public safety services.
• Partnered with community organizations and public safety professionals, building stronger relationships and safer neighborhoods.
• Enforced policies promoting transparency, accountability, and trust between residents and first responders.

Other safety-enhancing efforts led by the Bibb Administration include investments through the Mayor's Office of Prevention, Intervention & Opportunity for Youth and Young Adults, increased pay for police officers, continuous implementation of traffic calming solutions, and amplifying the SAFE SMART CLE camera sharing program.

Clevelandurbannews.com and Kathywraycolemanonlinenewsblog.com, the most-read Black digital newspaper and blog in Ohio. Tel. 216-659-0473. Email-editor@clevelandurbannews.com