Chicago, Firefighters Union Reach Six-Year Contract Deal After Four-Year Standoff

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said the city has reached a tentative six-year collective-bargaining agreement with Chicago Fire Fighters Union Local 2, potentially ending a contract dispute that left roughly 4,800 firefighters and paramedics without a new deal since 2021. The accord mirrors wage terms given to police officers, providing retroactive pay and raises of up to 20% depending on inflation, according to people familiar with the talks. Union President Patrick Cleary and Johnson both described the pact as largely "status-quo," noting it preserves the requirement of five employees on each fire apparatus and keeps the department’s fleet at 80 ambulances, below the 100 sought by the union. The city has budgeted for the back-pay liability, though officials have not disclosed the overall cost. The agreement must still be ratified by rank-and-file firefighters and approved by the Chicago City Council. Union information sessions and a vote are expected later this month, while the council could take up the measure at its September meeting.