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Stamford Reps Approve Contract With Firefighters To Give Raises, Add Staff

STAMFORD, Conn. — The Stamford Board of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to approve the city’s new contract with the Stamford Professional Fire Fighters Association, which is retroactive to 2011 and lasts to 2018.

Stamford Firefighters knock mayor over contract.

Stamford Firefighters knock mayor over contract.

Photo Credit: File

With more than 40 professional firefighters on hand at the Government Center on Monday night, the board voted 21-0, with four abstentions, to approve the agreement. 

This ends a period of six years during which firefighters were working without an agreement.

The pact — reached between the union and the administration of Mayor David Martin — was approved last week by 78 percent of SPFFA Local 786 members, with a record 95 percent turnout for the union vote.

The labor agreement grants professional firefighters a 16.25 percent pay increase over the eight years and increases staffing from 52 to 54 firefighters on duty at any given time.

“I would like to thank the members of the Board of Representatives, who decided, after a thoughtful and deliberative process, that this agreement is in the best interests of our fire fighters, our citizens, and all the taxpayers of Stamford,” said Brendan Keatley, president of the SPFFA. “This is a fair contract that protects professional fire fighters and provides us with the support we need to protect the lives and property of everyone in our city.”

In addition to the wage and staff increases, the contract addresses safety issues to bring Stamford in compliance with National Fire Protection Association standards, as well as to resolve several contested outstanding state labor board cases between the city and the union. 

The union came to an agreement with the Martin administration in July and then firefighters approved the pact Aug. 4. The deal goes into effect immediately.

On Tuesday morning, the city increased staffing at Engine 8 on Buxton Farms Road located near High Ridge Road and the Merritt Parkway and Engine 9 on Roxbury Road, near Westhill High School. 

Both have gained one firefighter, going from a three to four firefighter engine company, ensuring compliance with NFPA standards.

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