A new collective bargaining agreement with the Arlington Heights Firefighters Association, Local 3105, I.A.F.F. is attached for approval. This new agreement was reached after two bargaining sessions utilizing the Interest Based Bargaining (IBB) process, which we have been using since 1999. Both sides again found the IBB process to be a significant improvement over traditional collective bargaining. The new agreement is for two years and eight months, with an expiration date of December 31, 2019, in order to align the contract with the Village's new fiscal year. This Agreement has been ratified by the Firefighters.    

Due to the fact that this is a very mature contract and that the parties have a long history of working together, there were very few changes from the previous contract. One of those changes is that employees off on worker's compensation leave are now required to work light duty, in accordance with their doctors' restrictions. Additionally, all employees hired as of May 1, 2018 will have to become paramedics. 

The parties agreed to the following increases: 2.5% on May 1, 2017, 2.5% on January 1, 2018 and 2.5% on January 1, 2019. In addition, consistent with settlements for the last several contracts with the IAFF, the members will receive a signing bonus.      

If any Board member has any questions at the meeting about the contract, a Closed Session should be requested for the purpose of discussing collective bargaining matters.     

RECOMMENDATION  

It is recommended that the Village Board approve the attached Ordinance Approving an Agreement between the Village of Arlington Heights and the Arlington Heights Firefighters Association, Local 3105, I.A.F.F.