Firefighters union leaders unhappy with new 2-year contract awarded by city

An arbitration panel has awarded Philadelphia firefighters a two-year contract with raises totaling 7%. The package also provides a 1% increase in longevity pay and a new pay scale for paramedics, who are in high demand. The city announced the contract Wednesday evening, even though the award came down on June 26. Mayor Cherelle Parker said the award recognizes the firefighters’ contribution while being fiscally responsible, though city officials said they did not yet know the total cost of the contract. However, union leader Mike Bresnan said he is not happy with the package. He said it breaks a long-standing tradition of firefighters receiving parity with police officers. He said police got an additional 1% raise and a signing bonus firefighters did not receive. Firefighters and police are prohibited by law from striking, so their contracts are decided by binding arbitration. The firefighters’ package came down almost a year after the award to police. (Photo credit: Philadelphia Fire Department)