Naperville, firefighters reach contract deal

Naperville and its firefighters union agreed to a two-year contract this week that will be retroactive to May 1.

The pact, which involves the city’s 186 sworn firefighters and paramedics through the rank of captain, calls for a 3 percent pay increase retroactive to May 1 and an additional 1 percent increase that kicks in next May.

It also includes stipends based on time with the department and paramedic status.

Under the new deal, a paramedic with 10 years of service will receive a $725 stipend. A paramedic with 15 or more years of service beginning next May will receive $1,725.

Firefighters with at least 20 years of service will see their experience bonus jump from $1,500 to $2,000.

The city council voted 6-3 to approve the contract, with opposition coming from Grant Wehrli, Doug Krause and Joe McElroy.

“As far as union contracts go, this is the best one I have seen yet. However, it has not crossed the threshold of one I can support,” Wehrli said before casting his vote. “I appreciate what our firefighters, paramedics and first responders do, but we’re trying to manage our way through a fiscal crisis and giving away a single-year wage increase of 3 percent is something I can’t do.”

Krause agreed, saying he wants to freeze wages in all city contracts because payroll costs account for 75 percent of Naperville’s budget.

But supporters, including Councilman Robert Fieseler, said it’s a good deal for both sides.

“The firefighters really stepped up here and they understood what the city’s objectives were. Sure there’s a salary increase but they’re doing a lot more with less,” Fieseler said. “They need to know we appreciate what they do.”

Kenn Miller agreed.

“I think it’s a good contract with good give and take,” he said. “I’m very proud of our fire department for what they do and I support this because I think it’s a good contract at the end of the day.”

Calls to the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 4302 in Naperville were not returned.