Chicago Firefighters Ratify Contract With City

Agreement still must be approved by the City Council

The union representing Chicago firefighters on Wednesday ratified a proposed five-year contract with the city that includes 11 percent pay raises.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel said the agreement -- which still must be approved by the City Council -- is both "fiscally responsible" and respectful of the "work and sacrifice of the men and women who put their own lives on the line.."

Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2 President Thomas Ryan called it a "fair contract," and said about 91 percent of the members who returned their ballots by Wednesday's deadline voted in favor.

Under the agreement, firefighters and paramedics will receive an 11 percent pay increase over five years. It also requires the city to upgrade its ambulance fleet and hire about 200 additional paramedics by September.

The deal does not include pension or retiree health care reform.

It will be retroactive from July 2012 and end in July 2017.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
 

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