The Niles Times
City firefighters accepted a second contract proposal this week after rejecting a similar deal two months ago, according to union negotiator, Rodney Freel.
The contract proposal includes the same wage freeze, first responder bonus, extra week of vacation and five-year step increase for beginner firemen that starts them out at 60 percent of the base salary.
New firefighters will start out at 60 percent of the base pay of $49,500; that will rise to 70 percent in the second year, 80 percent in the third year and 90 percent in the fourth year. In the fifth year, the firefighter would receive full pay.
Different, however, is a "me too clause," Freel said.
"If the city grants something to another union that we didn't get, it will automatically come to us, Freel said. We have never had that clause before."
Niles mayor Ralph Infante said negotiations with the city police union are also underway.