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Hoffman Estates firefighters get new contract
The *Hoffman Estates Daily Herald* recently published an article detailing a major development in the ongoing labor agreement between the village and its firefighters. After months of negotiation, Hoffman Estates and the Hoffman Estates Professional Firefighters Association Local 2061 have reached a six-year contract, resolving a long-standing dispute over their previous three-year deal.
Village Manager Jim Norris expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting that the agreement was achieved without legal representation. “This is a win for everyone involved,†he said. The resolution came after a contentious arbitration process last summer, which awarded the union a retroactive contract from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2014. However, the village quickly appealed the decision, particularly over one key provision: the allowance of 72 hours of unearned time off per year, which could be used, accrued, or cashed in. With 83 firefighters on staff, this was seen as a significant burden on scheduling and budgeting.
Under the new agreement, this amount has been reduced to 48 hours annually, with the condition that it must be used or cashed in within the same year it's earned. While the base raises remain unchanged—2.5% in 2012, none in 2013, and 2.5% in early 2014—the contract also includes additional raises: 1% in March 2014, and another 1% on January 1 and June 1 in 2015, 2016, and 2017.
Union President Dean Slater praised the compromise, emphasizing that both sides prioritized fiscal responsibility and long-term stability. “We wanted an agreement that protected our members while also helping the Village manage its finances,†he said.
The full details of the contract are available on the Hoffman Estates village website. According to the official release, the new agreement, effective from January 1, 2012, will run through December 31, 2017. It resolves the appeal of the previous arbitration decision and includes several key changes, such as the 2013 salary freeze, adjustments to health insurance contributions, and revised benefit plans.
Mayor William D. McLeod commended both parties for their cooperation. “It took time, but I’m glad we were able to find common ground,†he said. The settlement also addresses all outstanding grievances and unfair labor practices, marking a positive step forward for the community.
Thanks to Dan and Dennis for sharing the information.