Gary fire fighters secure first contract in over 22 years

After more than two decades without a labor contract, fire fighters in Gary, Indiana, have reached a historic milestone.

Gary, IN Local 359 officially signed a new collective bargaining agreement with the city, marking their first contract since 2003.

“Local 359 and President Kevin Benford have successfully finalized a three-year collective bargaining agreement, the first in more than 22 years. It was a part of a great collaboration between the Local, PFFUI, and the IAFF,” said 8th District Vice President Mark Sanders. “This is an important milestone and sets the foundation for a stronger future for fire fighters and emergency medical workers in the city. Congratulations to Local 359 on this achievement.”

“When the previous contract expired, the department had roughly 300 fire fighters and around 70 civilian medics on the EMS side. We had about 13 stations open, and they were operational,” said Benford. “We had a nice fleet, and everything was going well.”

Over time, without contractual protections, those numbers dwindled.

“Without a contract, you lack leverage,” said Benford, who has served 26 years in the fire service. “But we never stopped showing up for this city.”

Despite the losses, fire fighters continued to respond to emergencies without guaranteed protections, pay structures, or staffing standards.

“Despite being denied the ability to bargain a fair contract in previous years, Local 359 continued to respond to and mitigate emergencies, selflessly saving lives and property,” said PFFUI President Tony Murray. “The Local should be proud of this new chapter and of their use of resources available through the IAFF and the PFFUI, but without the unity  and solidarity of the members and leaders, the future would look much like the past.”

The newly signed agreement now improves recruitment and retention, restores a $1,500 clothing allowance, expands educational and professional development, and provides fair workplace protections – along with other improvements.

“Just having a contract is the foundation,” said Benford. “Now we have something we can build on.”

Benford praised Local 359 Vice President Tyrone Jackson and Gary Fire Chief Larry Tillman, a former Local 359 leader, for their key contributions to advancing the agreement. He also acknowledged the PFFUI, including former President Tom Hanify, Murray, and 1st District Vice President Jon Parkhouse, along with others, for their support in making Local 359 more politically engaged and strategic through mentorship, relationship building, and strong union backing.

“They showed us the blueprint,” Benford said. “We learned how to engage, how to build relationships, and how to advocate not just locally, but at the state level.”

Local 359 members played an active role in the city’s recent mayoral election, supporting Eddie Melton, a former state senator known for backing public safety. Members organized, canvassed neighborhoods, and spoke directly with residents about the importance of committed leadership.

“This three-year agreement is only attainable through Local 359’s dedication to the work that changed the political environment, including engaging to elect a visionary mayor in Melton, a supportive and engaged Common Council, and a committed fire chief and command staff,” said Murray.

Melton, now mayor, followed through by bringing the city back to the negotiating table and working with union leadership to finalize the agreement.

“Building relationships is everything. When it’s not just political, but personal, that’s when things move,” said Benford.

“This is about respect. And after all these years, we’ve earned it,” he said.