04-15-2008, 11:39 AM
Pompano Beach firefighters get one-year contract with 3.5% raise
By Linda Trischitta | South Florida Sun-Sentinel
April 15, 2008
POMPANO BEACH - After seven months of talks and aid from a federal mediator, city firefighters have won a one-year contract that contains several categories of raises, extends the number of years that firefighters may work beyond retirement and allows testing for anabolic steroids.
"Getting a raise in this economy was a win," said Jeffrey Vallerga, president of Pompano Beach Professional Firefighters Local 1549.
The deal was unanimously approved by the City Commission Tuesday night, is retroactive to Oct. 1 and expires Sept. 30. No date has been set to resume negotiations for the next contract period that begins Oct. 1.
With the new contract, the city's 185 firefighters, trainers and inspectors will receive a 3.5 percent cost-of-living raise, the same increase that other city employees received, Human Resources Director Michael Smith said.
New to this contract is a 1.5 percent of base salary payment to licensed emergency medical technicians, the majority of the force.
Other raises and bonuses retained from prior contracts include:
A base salary raise of 5 percent to 15 percent for employees temporarily upgraded in rank while covering for absent colleagues, paid after serving five shifts;
A longevity raise of 5 percent after 14 and 19 years of continuous service;
A merit salary increase from 2 percent to 6 percent of current base salary, depending upon performance level;
Extension of the "drop" program from five to eight years that allows members who are 47 years old or who have 20 years' experience to continue working without drawing from or paying into their pensions.
"It's a bit of cost savings for the employee, the city doesn't have to pay pension benefits yet, and the city gains by retaining their experience and training, and that's particularly important in the upper ranks," Smith said. "We value public safety in Pompano Beach and like to keep our department competitive with those around us and attract and retain the best employees."
New this year is testing for anabolic steroids along with other banned substances like cocaine, methaqualone, ecstasy and marijuana, something that Vallerga said he welcomed. He also praised an increase of the tuition reimbursement plan for 12 classes toward advanced degrees.
There are nine union job classifications and salaries range from $49,366 to $99,260.
The city's adopted 2008 budget is $208 million and includes the new contract.
Linda Trischitta can be reached at ljtrischitta@sun-sentinel.com or 954-356-4233.
By Linda Trischitta | South Florida Sun-Sentinel
April 15, 2008
POMPANO BEACH - After seven months of talks and aid from a federal mediator, city firefighters have won a one-year contract that contains several categories of raises, extends the number of years that firefighters may work beyond retirement and allows testing for anabolic steroids.
"Getting a raise in this economy was a win," said Jeffrey Vallerga, president of Pompano Beach Professional Firefighters Local 1549.
The deal was unanimously approved by the City Commission Tuesday night, is retroactive to Oct. 1 and expires Sept. 30. No date has been set to resume negotiations for the next contract period that begins Oct. 1.
With the new contract, the city's 185 firefighters, trainers and inspectors will receive a 3.5 percent cost-of-living raise, the same increase that other city employees received, Human Resources Director Michael Smith said.
New to this contract is a 1.5 percent of base salary payment to licensed emergency medical technicians, the majority of the force.
Other raises and bonuses retained from prior contracts include:
A base salary raise of 5 percent to 15 percent for employees temporarily upgraded in rank while covering for absent colleagues, paid after serving five shifts;
A longevity raise of 5 percent after 14 and 19 years of continuous service;
A merit salary increase from 2 percent to 6 percent of current base salary, depending upon performance level;
Extension of the "drop" program from five to eight years that allows members who are 47 years old or who have 20 years' experience to continue working without drawing from or paying into their pensions.
"It's a bit of cost savings for the employee, the city doesn't have to pay pension benefits yet, and the city gains by retaining their experience and training, and that's particularly important in the upper ranks," Smith said. "We value public safety in Pompano Beach and like to keep our department competitive with those around us and attract and retain the best employees."
New this year is testing for anabolic steroids along with other banned substances like cocaine, methaqualone, ecstasy and marijuana, something that Vallerga said he welcomed. He also praised an increase of the tuition reimbursement plan for 12 classes toward advanced degrees.
There are nine union job classifications and salaries range from $49,366 to $99,260.
The city's adopted 2008 budget is $208 million and includes the new contract.
Linda Trischitta can be reached at ljtrischitta@sun-sentinel.com or 954-356-4233.