The Board of Fire Commissioners for South King Fire & Rescue on Jan. 6 unanimously approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the firefighters of International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 2024 to eliminate a 2 percent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2011 for Des Moines and Federal Way firefighters.
While the fire department is becoming smaller through attrition and early retirements, forced layoffs are not yet on the line, according to district officials.
They say that SKFR had wisely put aside cash reserves prior to the economic downturn allowing them to keeping existing employees for now, despite the ballot failure of a new revenue source in August of 2010.
The firefighter's union proactively offered a concession without the threat of immediate jobs on the line.
"The firefighters understood the climate of our community and their willingness to enter into negotiations to adjust their salary is a clear reflection of a long standing team effort between management and labor," said Fire Chief Al Church.
The savings to the fire district is $246,621 for fiscal year 2011. The union concession is permanent, not a deferral. It has simply been given back to the district.
Local 2024 President Ryan Herrera said, "Despite many firefighters nearing retirement and trying to plan for their future, the proposal was overwhelmingly approved by our members." Herrera said, "We are invested in this community. So, we looked carefully at our situation and said this was the right thing to do."