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The Uniformed Firefighters' Association contract ratification process has already taken several steps forward, but union officials don't ex?pect a final decision before the end of December.
Although the executive board approved the tentative contract deal Oct. 27, when it was announced by the city, the union's 8,700 active mem?bers still have to vote on it.
Key Components
UFA battalion delegates held an advisory meeting Nov. 1, and voted 50 to 1 in favor of the contract, which included a 17.52-percent wage increase over 50 months, but slashed starting pay for new hires to $25,100 from $36,878.
It also called for firefighters to work an extra 15-hour tour and stipulated that Police and Correction Officers looking to transfer into the Fire Department come in at the new entry-level pay. For pension purposes they can retain their seniority.
The UFA agreed to drop several outstanding legal actions it filed against the FDNY related to assigning and scheduling firefighters outside of active duty, and the city promised to increase contributions to the active and retiree welfare funds by $100 annually, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2005.
Battalion delegates spent last week fanning out through city firehouses, meeting with union members to discuss the contract terms and answer questions.
Delegates to Vote
UFA spokesman Tom Butler said he expected the union's 340 company delegates to convene for a vote at a Dec. 8 union meeting. A two-third majority vote is needed for the contract to move forward from there.
If the delegates are in favor of the contract, Mr. Butler said, the American Arbitration Association will mail ballots to members' homes Dec. 19. Votes will be counted and results announced Dec. 29.
Based on that timeline, firefighters should be getting their retroactive wage checks-expected to range between $15,000 and $20,000-by late January if the deal is ratified.
Because the contract is retroactive to June 2002, many firefighters who subsequently retired from the FDNY will also receive back pay, said Mr. Butler.
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