Mt. Prospect firefighters agree to first wage freeze

Mount Prospect firefighters and paramedics have agreed to a one-year wage freeze based on the economic conditions of the village.

This is the first time the union — which represents 66 firefighter/paramedics — has agreed to a freeze, said Dale Steward, president of the Mount Prospect Firefighters Local 4119.

“We saw the writing on the wall,” he said. “It was a difficult decision, but this is in the best interest of everyone, including the village.”

The Mount Prospect village board approved the one-year contract extension that did not include raises on Tuesday. The original contract was set to expire on Dec. 31 2011 after four years. This year, firefighters got a 3.5 percent wage increase.

The extension does not promise there won’t be layoffs in 2012, Steward said.

In December, trustees approved a 2011 budget that avoided a projected $3 million deficit but eliminated positions and reduced services. In the process, the Blues Fest and Winter Parade were cut, although village officials said they hope to bring back both events in 2012.

Every department also had to cut its budget, with 34 positions eliminated — many, but not all of them through layoffs. The board also outsourced building inspections and did not hire back crossing guards.

“During the budget process there was evidence the firefighters wanted to partner with the village,” Trustee Mike Zadel said at Tuesday’s board meeting. “You continued to do your job without griping and without complaining and we thank you.”