Denver Negotiates Stellar Contract

August 1, 2008 – During this economic crisis, Denver, CO Local 858 is proof that negotiating a contract with improved wages and benefits is difficult, but it is possible. Denver fire fighters ratified a 2009-11 agreement with the City that included uncapped longevity benefits, blended health insurance and annual wage increases.

“Working with the IAFF, we gathered the necessary data for this round of negotiations and it paid off,” says Pat Rhoades, president of Local 858. “We had no give-backs this time, so everything we received was a gain for us.”

The local is especially proud of the removal of longevity caps. “This is the first change to our longevity in a decade,” explains Rhoades. “By taking the cap off, the majority of our members stand to enjoy the benefits.”

The IAFF conducted a financial analysis, numerous wage charts with comparable jurisdictions and provided other supportive data for Denver Local 858.

The negotiation process in Denver was also eased by a City charter provision calling for a negotiation timetable – when it starts and how long it can last. If negotiations go long, outstanding disputes go to arbitration.

“The charter provision was something former IAFF 9th District Vice President Mike McNeill, fought hard to get when he was president of our local,” says Aaron Jonke, secretary-treasurer for Local 858. “That, coupled with our ongoing political action, has helped put us in a good position each time we enter negotiations.”

The new agreement stipulates that all fire fighters will receive longevity pay once they reach their fifth employment anniversary. Fire fighters will be paid a rate of $9.50 per month effective January 2009, and $12 per month effective in 2010. Previous to this contract, longevity benefits were capped after a fire fighter had served 25 years.

Another new contract provision calls for blended rate health insurance. Previous to this agreement, active fire fighters paid a certain rate for health insurance, assisted by a City contribution. Retirees paid a rate, but with no City contribution. The new blended rate will result in a reduced rate for retirees that is comparable to the active fire fighter rate.

Fire fighters will also receive a 4 percent raise in 2009 and 2010. In 2011, the raise will be 3.80 percent.