Virginia is becoming union strong as more and more IAFF locals are winning contracts in a state that recently approved collective bargaining.
One of the latest is Prince William County Local 2598.
“This is a big moment for us as this contract was decades in the making,” Local 2598 President Mitch Nason said. “It means we have a guaranteed seat at the table as decisions are being made about our livelihood, working conditions, wages and benefits.”
Key provisions of the contract include a cost-of-living wage adjustment each year for the life of the deal, paid family medical leave, and a stipend for paramedics, HazMat technicians and technical rescue personnel.
“Mitch Nason and his team did an outstanding job working with the county to pass a solid collective bargaining ordinance and then negotiating a great first contract,” 4th District Vice President Andrew Pantelis said. “This contract creates a solid foundation to build an even stronger union during future negotiations. Congratulations to our Prince William County members on a job well done.”
The newly approved agreement runs July 1, 2024 through July 1, 2027.
The agreement also provides a path to reduce weekly hours from 56 to 50 hours a week by July 1, 2027. Ninety new fire fighters will be hired to accommodate the new hours.
Meanwhile, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors ratified Local 3756’s contract May 7 and negotiations are in progress for Richmond Local 995, Charlottesville Local 2363 and Portsmouth Local 539. Alexandria Local 2141, Arlington County Local 2800 and Fairfax County Local 2068 have signed their first contracts.
“This contract creates a solid foundation to build an even stronger union during future negotiations. Congratulations to our Prince William County members on a job well done.”
4th District Vice President Andrew Pantelis
The state’s law allowing municipalities to enter collective bargaining agreements went into effect in May 2021.
