Buffalo Grove agrees to three-year pact with firefighters' union

Buffalo Grove trustees have approved a new collective bargaining agreement with the union representing the village's firefighter/paramedics and fire lieutenants.

The agreement is retroactive to May 1 and runs through April 30, 2023. Union members approved the deal Oct. 13.

Fire Chief Mike Baker said the contract gives annual 2.5% salary increases to firefighter/paramedics and a 2% yearly hike to lieutenants.

The minimum salary for a firefighter/paramedic is more than $66,000, while the maximum is more than $108,000. The minimum for a fire lieutenant/paramedic is more than $113,000, while the maximum is more than $126,000.

Buffalo Grove Human Resources Director Arthur Maliowski said the agreement better reflects the 24 hours-on, 48 hours-off shift schedule for firefighters, as opposed to the 40-hour workweek.

Trustee Joanne Johnson thanked the union for its collaboration on the contract.

"It's gratifying to know that we have a three-year contract moving forward with them," she said, also thanking the village staff for its work.

Village President Beverly Sussman gave special thanks to the paramedics from Station 26, who, she said, responded to her house after a recent household accident.

"As always, they did an excellent job," she said.