Pittsburgh firefighters finalize new contract with city

The city of Pittsburgh and the union representing city firefighters announced a new contract Friday that includes wage increases, new parental leave and health insurance policies, and modernization upgrades to fire stations.

The contract covers the next five years with members of Pittsburgh Fire Fighters, IAFF Local No. 1.

IAFF Local No. 1 President Ralph Sicuro said the contract secures significant pay increases for firefighters, as well as new parental and pregnancy loss leave policies. Lieutenants, captains, and battalion chiefs will receive additional pay raises, as well. Specifics on pay raises were not provided.

Sicuro said the union has also agreed to unscheduled work-time adjustments and “strategic repositioning” of the highest-ranked officers in order to support the city’s financial well-being.

“This change will help ensure more efficient management of the Fire Bureau to meet the increasing demands on our dedicated firefighting force while fostering a positive relationship between the union and the city,” he said.

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey lauded the contract agreement. Negotiations took six months, and the parties avoided entering into binding arbitration, according to a release.

“This agreement ensures that the brave men and women of our Fire Bureau are fairly compensated for the vital and dangerous work they do keeping our residents safe, while giving the city the opportunity to structure work rules and promotions in a way that will improve the fire service,” said Gainey.

Gainey said he will submit resolutions related to the contract when Pittsburgh City Council starts a new legislative session in January. The city’s 2024 operating budget and five-year plan will need to incorporate financial changes because of the contract.